ABSTRACT

In a complex, globalised and rapidly changing world, power dynamics are multidimensional, constantly evolving and full of complexity. The ‘powercube’ is an approach to power analysis which can be used to examine the multiple forms, levels and spaces of power, and their interactions. The powercube has been widely used around the world for analysis of power, education and awareness-building, context analysis, programme and strategy development, and monitoring and evaluation. This chapter describes the evolution and purpose of the powercube, and provides examples of the issue areas in which it has been used, and for what purposes. The author offers eight lessons in how to apply the powercube framework in analysing and transforming power relations. Each dimension of the cube reflects a spectrum of possibilities that interact with one another, opening and closing entry points for influence and change. Power strategies that only focus on one element, or one dimension, often simply reproduce or strengthen power in another. Transformative change happens when social actors (movements, civil society organisations, donors) work across all aspects of the cube, necessitating the emergence of coalitions and networks of actors, which themselves are affected by power dynamics.