POWER IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Power is an important element in people's lives because of their role in determining the fate of millions of people. Power is always there in the community, both simple and complex large societies. The existence of power depends on the nature of the relationship between the ruling (leaders) and force. There is a leader in one area, there is also a leader in many aspects of life. There are leaders and there are followers who seek the sought his followers. There are official leaders (formal leaders) and informal leaders. This study aims to determine the level of community participation in village government decision-making in Sone Village and identify the factors influencing it. The results indicate that the level of community participation in Sone Village is still moderate to low. Community participation is generally only at the implementation and monitoring stages, while involvement is minimal at the planning and decision-making stages. Factors such as lack of outreach, dominance of village elites, low community understanding of decision-making mechanisms, and a culture of obedience to leaders are key obstacles. Community groups that actively participate typically have higher levels of education, better access to information, or close relationships with village officials.