Abstract: Though they are found in almost every society, too little attention has been paid to coercive relations. Based on Elementary Theory, this paper discusses the meaning, classification and effects of coercive relations and structures. In coercive relations the threat, for example “Your money or your life”, is intended by the coercer to extract value from the coercees. The dyadic coercive relation and centralized coercive structures are differentiated, with the latter being further divided into the coercer central structure and coercee central structure. Studies have found that coercer in the former structure may exercise more power on the coercees, while coercees in the latter structure could negotiate with the coercer and will be coerced less. Secondly, strongcoercive structures are differentiated from the weakcoercive structures. In the former, coercers may exercise the maximum level of power over coercees. Thirdly, this paper differentiates direct coercion from indirect coercion, with the latter involving at least three actors. Based on that, models of direct coercion and indirect coercion were built but the discussion was directed at the effects of the indirect coercive structure in comparison with those of direct coercion in terms of strength and extension. The models were tested. Experimental results have indicated that direct coercive structure and indirect coercive structure have the same power effects under boundary conditions: they are equally effective in extent and strength. In both structures coercers earn maximum payoffs. Finally, the paper discusses factors affecting coercion, including information, coercer’s desire and tactics, coercers’ coalition, and coercees’ coalition.

Key words: coercion, social network, triadic relationship, network exchange theory