The interpersonal nature of power and status

• Power and status are relational properties that emerge from dynamics between individuals.
• Power tends to increase social distance and thus reduce sensitivity to others, whereas status tends to increase sensitivity to others.
• The effects of power on interpersonal sensitivity are moderated by individual differences.
• Both power and status can be inferred and conferred by others based on one's behavior.

Although social power is typically defined as an interpersonal construct, most empirical studies of power in psychology have not examined interpersonal relationships per se, in contrast to research on social status. This is surprising because both constructs have relational origins. We re-assert the importance of adopting a relational perspective in the study of both power and status and highlight recent research that has implications for this perspective. In our review, we focus on two themes. One involves interpersonal consequences of power and status differences in relationships. The other involves the process of making inferences about others’ power and status.