This article explores a new psychological perspective on human behavior, a cybernetic approach called “perceptual control theory” (PCT). After detailing the PCT model, I demonstrate one application of PCT to sociological theory by applying this perspective to questions of power and interpersonal control. I argue that social power should be distinguished from interpersonal use of force, coercion, incentives, or influence. Rather, power derives from an alignment of goals by humans acting as independent control systems. The article closes with a discussion of connections between PCT and several strands of current sociological theory.
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