Power In The Scottish Parliament

The performance of power in the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament is simply that: a performance. With a meaningfully set stage and players who know their roll well, this act give the illusion of transparency to the public. I am not claiming all actions are predetermined, there is some room for improvisation, but on the whole the room which the general public is allowed admittance is one only used for meticulously planned and approved remarks. Does this mean it lacks power? Not necessarily, though it is a show put on for anyone who wishes to “see how government works” that does not limit its influence. Public opinion shapes the government and in giving the illusion of openness while editing what is seen, the state controls it public image. …show more content…
Much of the states power lies in controlling what can be seen and what kept private. Power is a loaded term; the ability to influence and control a population seems an easy definition. But I would assert the illusion of power is a power in itself. A state in complete control with total social cohesion but with the appearance of losing authority will not maintain that control for long. Where as a state forming and reiterating societal divisions it controls and gives order to will hold power for as long as it can maintain the illusion (Aretxaga, 2003: 397). For this small bit of fieldwork I went to the Scottish Parliament the day before it went into recess, sitting in the public assembly seats I observed a debating session silently. It was far from in-depth research but some obvious things began to jump out at