Power structures refer to the organization and distribution of power within a society, group, or institution. This research area focuses on understanding how power is exercised, maintained, and contested within social systems. Scholars in this field examine the various forms of power dynamics, such as political power, economic power, and cultural power, and how they shape relationships, institutions, and societal norms. Researchers may study the influence of power structures on issues such as inequality, social stratification, and political decision-making. They may also analyze the ways in which individuals and groups navigate and resist existing power structures to enact social change or challenge oppressive systems. Overall, research on power structures seeks to shed light on the complex and often hidden mechanisms by which power operates in society, as well as the implications of these power dynamics for individuals and communities.