Why is rule making and rule breaking at the core of the struggle for power according to Piven and cloward?

Answer 1

According to Piven and Cloward, rule making and rule breaking are central to the struggle for power because they define the boundaries of social order and the means by which individuals and groups can assert their influence. Those in power create rules to maintain control and privilege, while marginalized groups often break these rules as a form of resistance and to challenge existing hierarchies. This dynamic illustrates how power is negotiated, contested, and redefined through both the establishment and violation of social norms. Ultimately, it underscores the ongoing tension between authority and dissent in the pursuit of social justice.