Final answer:
Power, as defined by Max Weber, is the ability to impose one's will on others and impacts both personal relationships and broader societal structures. It is directly linked to social stratification and influences the distribution of resources and social standing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many scholars agree with the definition of power provided by German sociologist Max Weber, which states that power is the ability to exercise one's will over others.
Power is not just an aspect of personal relationships; it can influence broader dynamics such as social groups, professional organizations, and even entire governments. An example of this is the U.S. government exercising its power internationally by joining forces with other nations during World War II, invading Iraq to overthrow its government in 2002, and imposing sanctions on North Korea to limit their nuclear developments.
Power is intricately linked to social stratification, where it reflects an unequal distribution of resources often tied to attributes like wealth, family ancestry, race, ethnicity, age, gender, and even traits such as IQ or personal achievements. These various forms and displays of power illustrate its pervasive role in shaping societies.