The Social Science Encyclopedia

Authors: Kuper & Kuper
Summary: The entry defines authority as a distinctive form of compliance in social life. It may be seen as based on the common beliefs, values, traditions, or practices of members of society; or it may be seen as consisting of techniques of legitimation, ideology, hegemony, mobilization of bias, and false consensus, all of which serve to secure the compliance of citizens by manipulating their beliefs.
The entry distinguishes between de facto and de jure authority: de facto authority is seen whenever B actually complies with A's command; de jure authority exists where A has a "right" to B's compliance, a right that derives from formal rules.
Finally, the entry considers authority as legitimate power, and the difference between being an authority and being in authority. In Weberian terms, traditional and charismatic leaders are authoritative over beliefs and values; leaders in legal-rational systems are granted authority in certain spheres of action for the sake of convenience or utility.