I’ve recently come across a book, A Theory of Power by Jeff Vail, which explores the nature of hierarchical relationships. The problem of hierarchy is central to the underlying assumptions of the Domination System and civilization, because much of these things are predicated on the empowering of some people at the expense of others, or the domination and control of some life forms by others. Therefore, understanding hierarchy is a key to finding an alternative to the violence of civilization.
Power takes on a more elemental meaning in Vail’s book than the political definition of power as domination over another; the “power corrupts” idea wouldn’t necessarily apply here. He defines a power-relationship simply as “the ability of one entity to influence the action of another entity.” This is a broad meaning that encompasses everything from the influence of one subatomic particle on another to the effects of the state-governed system. I think it’s useful because some of the primitivist arguments I’ve encountered rather simplistically oppose power, which is seen as evidence of hierarchy; the ideal state of being is therefore one that is without power. But what other kinds of power exist? How they can power be reconceptualized? Are there other ways of organizing numbers of individuals in harmonious ways without relying on unequal, hierarchical power-relationships? Read the full post
