I love love loved this! Everything about it. I remember writing a similar post myself a while ago, out of the same frustration that we might actually be belittling the achievements and characters of historical women by perpetuating the 'onward march of modernity' narrative. Like you, I believe that history was full of really bold, brave, and innovative women: so let's showcase them as they were! Thank you for sharing today.
Hi McKenzie, you are clearly a woman after my own heart. I am firmly of the opinion that much history, art and literature (classic as well as popular) lets our female ancestors down. In my own work which is mainly historical fiction ( I also have an non-fiction blog) I focus on the achievements of women from the Bronze Age through to the last century. The novelist in me knows that there are many ways to achieve influence or power over others: - Here is a list of ways people can influence or have power over others:
1. Authority: Position-based Power: People in positions of authority (e.g., managers, political leaders) have the ability to command or enforce decisions.
2. Coercion: Force or Threat: The use of threats, punishment, or force to compel someone to act in a certain way.
3. Expertise: Knowledge or Skill-based Power: When someone has specialized knowledge or skills that others rely on, they can influence decisions or actions.
4. Charisma: Personal Appeal: Charismatic individuals can attract others through charm, enthusiasm, and likability, shaping opinions and behaviours.
5. Social Pressure: Group Influence: Peer pressure, social expectations, or cultural norms can influence individuals to conform or change their behaviour.
6. Persuasion: Argumentation or Reasoning: Using logic, emotional appeals, or other rhetorical techniques to change someone's beliefs or actions.
7. Manipulation: Deceptive Influence: Influencing others in subtle, deceptive, or indirect ways to achieve hidden goals.
8. Incentives: Rewards or Benefits: Offering something of value (money, favour's, promotions) to encourage specific actions or behaviours.
9. Emotional Influence: Appealing to Feelings: Using emotions such as guilt, fear, love, or empathy to sway someone’s decisions or actions.
10. Control of Resources: Access to Assets: Holding control over resources (money, information, tools, etc.) can give one power over others who need or want those resources.
11. Reputation: Social Standing: Individuals with a strong reputation or credibility can influence others by leveraging their good standing or respect.
12. Affiliation: Connection-based Power: Association with influential groups, organizations, or people can provide indirect power over others.
13. Negotiation: Bargaining Power: The ability to influence others through compromise, negotiation, or offering mutually beneficial agreements.
14. Cultural Influence: Norms and Values: Cultural norms, traditions, and values can shape individual behaviours and group dynamics.
15. Fear or Intimidation: Psychological Influence: Intimidating others through fear, whether physically or psychologically, can force them into compliance.
16. Dependency: Reliance on Someone: If someone relies heavily on another (emotionally, financially, etc.), the person they depend on has power over them.
17. Popularity or Public Opinion: Influence through Mass Appeal: Those who are popular or have a large following can influence others due to the weight of public opinion.
18. Reciprocity: Sense of Obligation: When someone feels indebted due to a favour or help, they may feel obliged to return the favour.
19. Strategic Influence: Knowing when to act or propose an idea can increase the likelihood of influencing others effectively.
20. Moral Authority: Those who are perceived as acting in line with moral or ethical principles may have the power to influence others' actions based on shared values.
Each of these methods can function independently or combine with others to create powerful influence over people or situations.
Hi Julia! Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful comment! I so agree. And I think we today feel that power is mostly wielded through an authority position, but I just don’t think that is true! I am excited to check out your work!!
McKenzie- This is a very wise observation. Especially when you mentioned: “What is even more amazing is that most of these women held this influence while also bearing children, running their homes, and extending their reach even further through arranging marriages for their family members. A feminine strength is being able to make influence an art.” I appreciate this thought process.
I love love loved this! Everything about it. I remember writing a similar post myself a while ago, out of the same frustration that we might actually be belittling the achievements and characters of historical women by perpetuating the 'onward march of modernity' narrative. Like you, I believe that history was full of really bold, brave, and innovative women: so let's showcase them as they were! Thank you for sharing today.
Showcase them as they were. A perfect way of putting it!
Hi that's fantastic McKenzie. It's so good to meet a kindred spirit. Julia
Hi McKenzie, you are clearly a woman after my own heart. I am firmly of the opinion that much history, art and literature (classic as well as popular) lets our female ancestors down. In my own work which is mainly historical fiction ( I also have an non-fiction blog) I focus on the achievements of women from the Bronze Age through to the last century. The novelist in me knows that there are many ways to achieve influence or power over others: - Here is a list of ways people can influence or have power over others:
1. Authority: Position-based Power: People in positions of authority (e.g., managers, political leaders) have the ability to command or enforce decisions.
2. Coercion: Force or Threat: The use of threats, punishment, or force to compel someone to act in a certain way.
3. Expertise: Knowledge or Skill-based Power: When someone has specialized knowledge or skills that others rely on, they can influence decisions or actions.
4. Charisma: Personal Appeal: Charismatic individuals can attract others through charm, enthusiasm, and likability, shaping opinions and behaviours.
5. Social Pressure: Group Influence: Peer pressure, social expectations, or cultural norms can influence individuals to conform or change their behaviour.
6. Persuasion: Argumentation or Reasoning: Using logic, emotional appeals, or other rhetorical techniques to change someone's beliefs or actions.
7. Manipulation: Deceptive Influence: Influencing others in subtle, deceptive, or indirect ways to achieve hidden goals.
8. Incentives: Rewards or Benefits: Offering something of value (money, favour's, promotions) to encourage specific actions or behaviours.
9. Emotional Influence: Appealing to Feelings: Using emotions such as guilt, fear, love, or empathy to sway someone’s decisions or actions.
10. Control of Resources: Access to Assets: Holding control over resources (money, information, tools, etc.) can give one power over others who need or want those resources.
11. Reputation: Social Standing: Individuals with a strong reputation or credibility can influence others by leveraging their good standing or respect.
12. Affiliation: Connection-based Power: Association with influential groups, organizations, or people can provide indirect power over others.
13. Negotiation: Bargaining Power: The ability to influence others through compromise, negotiation, or offering mutually beneficial agreements.
14. Cultural Influence: Norms and Values: Cultural norms, traditions, and values can shape individual behaviours and group dynamics.
15. Fear or Intimidation: Psychological Influence: Intimidating others through fear, whether physically or psychologically, can force them into compliance.
16. Dependency: Reliance on Someone: If someone relies heavily on another (emotionally, financially, etc.), the person they depend on has power over them.
17. Popularity or Public Opinion: Influence through Mass Appeal: Those who are popular or have a large following can influence others due to the weight of public opinion.
18. Reciprocity: Sense of Obligation: When someone feels indebted due to a favour or help, they may feel obliged to return the favour.
19. Strategic Influence: Knowing when to act or propose an idea can increase the likelihood of influencing others effectively.
20. Moral Authority: Those who are perceived as acting in line with moral or ethical principles may have the power to influence others' actions based on shared values.
Each of these methods can function independently or combine with others to create powerful influence over people or situations.
You can see more of my work here https://juliaherdman.com/blog-posts/ my novel is available on Amazon
Hi Julia! Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful comment! I so agree. And I think we today feel that power is mostly wielded through an authority position, but I just don’t think that is true! I am excited to check out your work!!
McKenzie- This is a very wise observation. Especially when you mentioned: “What is even more amazing is that most of these women held this influence while also bearing children, running their homes, and extending their reach even further through arranging marriages for their family members. A feminine strength is being able to make influence an art.” I appreciate this thought process.
Thank you so much and thanks for reading!