I was talking with some of my anarchist friends about hierarchy and oppression earlier this morning. They claim that all hierarchy is by its nature oppressive. I countered that voluntary hierarchy was NOT oppressive and that some people have hierarchical needs.

Any situation in which “A” objectively exploits “B” or hinders his and her pursuit of self-affirmation as a responsible person is one of oppression. Such a situation in itself constitutes violence even when sweetened by false generosity; because it interferes with the individual’s ontological and historical vocation to be more fully human. With the establishment of a relationship of oppression, violence has already begun.

If people, as historical beings necessarily engaged with other people in a movement of inquiry, did not control that movement, it would be (and is) a violation of their humanity. Any situation in which some individuals prevent others from engaging in the process of inquiry is one of violence. The means used are not important; to alienate human beings from their own decision-making is to change them into objects.

Therefore hierarchy is bad

This was the argument given to me.

I countered that some people need to be lead or need to voluntarily submit to hierarchical relationships be they: spiritual, personal, or even rational. My clients are a perfectly good example of people that need a kind of hierarchy in order for them to be healed. I also argued that not allowing people to make these choices were an act of violence and oppression.

What do you all think? I'm pretty much for choice and voluntary hierarchal structures(like a church) but I'm against coercive hierarchal structures(like the state and capitalism)