Srsly Wrong Ep 124 – What do you mean when you say hierarchy?
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Sep 5, 2017 The hosts dive into the layers of hierarchy, differentiating between natural and social structures. They tackle the absurdities in the term's definition, and explore how some rankings can be benign while others can lead to unaccountable authority. Their discussion ranges from democratic representation to the complexities of power dynamics, ultimately advocating for pluralism and localized systems that promote competence over coercion. With a humorous touch, they mock the idea of kingship to highlight the contradictions in power and legitimacy.
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Hierarchy Isn’t One Thing
- Aaron and Shawn distinguish between neutral informational hierarchies and political power hierarchies.
- Not all pyramid-like diagrams imply oppressive authority or justify social domination.
Targeting Control Not Ranking
- The leftist critique targets hierarchies that give social, political, and economic control to those on top.
- Ranking outcomes (like race times) is fine; dominance that enforces control over others is the problem.
Practical Functions Of Local Hierarchies
- Small groups need some structure to function, creating hierarchies based on competence and seniority.
- Zero hierarchy can let drive-by participants disrupt collective projects.
