What term describes the process that determines the distribution of power and resources in society?

The process that determines the distribution of power and resources in society is referred to as politics. This encompasses the structures and activities through which power is gained, exercised, and maintained. Politics plays a crucial role in shaping how resources—such as wealth, education, and opportunities—are allocated among different groups and individuals within a community.

Politics involves decision-making processes, governance, and the negotiation of interests among various stakeholders. It is through political systems that laws are established, policies are formulated, and societal norms are created, all of which influence the dynamics of resource distribution and power relations.

While economics also pertains to the distribution of resources, it primarily focuses on the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth, rather than the broader spectrum of power relations and governance. Therefore, terms like culture and society are more about the norms and structures in which this power distribution takes place, rather than the actual process itself. In essence, politics is the vehicle through which power dynamics are navigated and resources are allocated, making it the most accurate descriptor for the process in question.