4 ms·
Anecdotal observation but from living in a kind of squad in my early 20s, two main problems ripped ours apart: 1) wealth distribution among unequal contribution
by rboyd 6y ago
Anecdotal observation but from living in a kind of squad in my early 20s, two main problems ripped ours apart: 1) wealth distribution among unequal contribution and 2) romantic relationships and the changing dynamic they introduce.
When I think about groups that survive they seem to either have strong top-down power hierarchies (as in the cult or the corporation), or otherwise de-emphasize money and sex (as in the monastery).
- _delirium 6y ago> When I think about groups that survive they seem to either have strong top-down power hierarchies (as in the cult or the corporation), or otherwise de-emphasize money and sex (as in the monastery). There's also the 'clan', essentially an extended family with strong financial and social ties, often treating wealth quasi-collectively. Varies by culture and era, but my clan (in the Mediterranean region) has been around in current form for about 100 years and is fairly resilient. Varying incomes and romantic relationships (among other things) cause problems here too, but the social structure has developed ways to manage them. There's a fairly elaborate culturally rooted system of gifts, obligations, unofficial hierarchies, etc. that keeps some of it working.
- sersi 6y agoThat's super interesting, can you expand? How is wealth treated quasi-collectively despite varying incomes? Is it shared between members? Or do members help with certain expenses like education, health, housing? I'm rather curious about this
- waihtis 6y agoInteresting. Is the clan by itself the bonding force or are there other aspects (religion or something else) which define the clan boundaries?