La vida a las puertas de la jaula de hierro. Relaciones de poder inherentes a las prácticas de participación en el Tercer Sector

Abstract

In this work I offer an overview of my doctoral research on forms of power that are inherent to participatory practices in Third Sector organizations. The research problem has been placed within a framework that intends to address the overlapping character of power phenomena and organizational phenomena. The theoretical framework draws from the works of Foucault (power), Bourdieu (habitus, field), Barchrach and Baratz (non-decision) and Goffman (footing). The method consists of an ethnographic study which is focused on the interpretation of practices. Results are deployed in the form of three grand maps, each of which belongs to a specific analytic layer: a) intersectorial exchanges and their effects; b) organizational configuration and functioning and c) symbolic aspects. Conclusions underline the neutralizing effects of Third Sector as a space for participation.