• lousyd@lemmy.sdf.orgOP
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    27 days ago

    What counts as hierarchy? Like, if I pay a plumber to fix my plumbing problems because I don’t know how to, does that imply some hierarchy between us?

    • A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world
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      27 days ago

      No, because the plumber doesn’t have power over you.

      Your boss has power over you - he can decide to remove your source of income, and uses that as leverage to get you to do what he wants.

      Your government has power over you - they have a monopoly on the use of violence and use it to maintain control.

      Your preacher has power over you - by making you afraid for your soul, he can manipulate you unwillingly, or severely impact your social status.

      Your plumber is someone providing a service, that’s completely different.