Authority is a very tricky thing, and to understand it you need to break it down to two basic concepts: Power and Influence.
Someone has authority over someone when they have an inherent power over them. A good example is physical strength. In the wild, if an animal is stronger than another one, they have the authority to protect their territory. While this applies to humans, it can go much deeper. Wealth, intelligence, and morality are all things that can give people power over someone else.
 

Influence is very closely related to power. Influence is the potential you have to affect someone else, and is very related to someone’s authority. Influence can be big or small, such as your friend influencing you to flip a coin. However, you can influence someone without having any real power above them.

 

For a discussion, talk about all the ways someone can get someone else to do something for them. Then talk about the difference between wanting to do something versus having to do so. The difference between getting someone to want to do something versus having to is very dependent on their influence. The greater the influence, the greater the effect of your authority.

 

Make sure when talking to your child, you be clear, and don’t be afraid to say you don’t know if your child asks you something you’re not sure enough about to answer. Giving a mixed answer—especially when talking about concepts like these—is potentially worse than giving no answer at all.
 

In patriarchal societies, men tend to hold more power and authority over women. The king is first, followed by the queen, then either the advisor or prince. Since this is true, men have a bigger influence than women, but you can get a little insight on how The Lion King portrays patriarchy on the Patriarchy page.

Death can change authorities and influences very rapidly. With death, a power struggle is completed. A good example is a bear dying and another one moving into its territory. Even though the power struggle is completed, the influence may not be gone though. This relationship is visible in The Lion King, and check out the Death page for more clarification on how to introduce this topic to your child.

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When talking about cultural appropriation, it is useful to note that the whole issue stems from authority. Power struggles and influence. Taking a subjugated culture for your own is a very controversial choice in society. A good example is the Cultural appropriation page, as it gives pretty good examples of what it is, and why it is bad.