Sociology of the Anarchists - Gozips.uakron.edu - The University of ...

Compatibility model: anarchism intersects directly with
the theories of democracy and humanism (and in many
respects feminism, ecology, and even Taoism 88 ) as positive
affirmation of the role of people in control of their own
lives and decisions. Anarchism's compatibility with these
theories is not incidental—they are predominantly (Taoism
excluded) outgrowths of Enlightenment thought and
classical Liberalism, and subsequently, radicalism.
Decision-making model: anarchism asserts that “no one is
more qualified to make decisions on your behalf than
yourself” and that “there is no authority but yourself”. It
intends to self-empower people to place the decisions that
affect their lives under their own influence. Thus, people
should have a say in decision-making to the extent that
those decisions affect them.
Etymology model: the word “anarchy” taken at face value
means “no authority” or “no rule”. It infers that there are no
authority figures or organizations that human subservience
is owed. Importantly, however, this does not indicate a
rejection of “rules” per se, only of rulers; rules
collectively/non-hierarchically agreed upon may be
acceptable.
Historical Tendency model: anarchism may be viewed as
a liberatory tendency within humankind to throw-off the
chains of oppression overtime. Whether it is the rejection
of slavery, feudalism, monarchism, gender inequity, etc.,
anarchism may be viewed as the gradual emancipation of
life from dominant authority. It is thus a philosophy of
movement and of optimism.
[ Williams 135 ] [ this is a draft. do not cite. ]