the nature and role of hierarchy and internal power structures within belief systems and ideologies Flashcards
What is a hierarchy?
A hierarchy is the arrangement of people, places or objects in an order that shows importance, with both belief systems and ideologies using this practice to keep a system of structure. Even the natural world has many forms of hierarchy with dominance and subordination played out in the evolutionary practice of survival.
Hierarchies:
Separate power by levels of status
And resist rapid change.
Why are hierarchies important in ideologies and belief systems?
- An established hierarchy is stable, able to survive the loss of members by replacement from the surrounding level.
- Hierarchies are resistant to abrupt change from either the top or the base, preventing sudden and catastrophic disintegration of the system.
- important decisions are filtered and influenced by several members rather than one, at the same time preventing stagnation of decision-making and action by clear allocation of final responsibility.
- The hierarchy is also the vital institutional memory of the system, where values and culture are preserved and passed along over time
What is the nature of hierarchies in belief systems and ideologies?
- An established hierarchy is stable, able to survive the loss of members by replacement from the surrounding level.
- Inherent in the hierarchy is the belief that those closer to the top hold greater knowledge, power and authority than those below.
usually rigid (clearly defined roles) –> allows for more efficient communication/organisation within the belief system
-unchanging (continuity) –> power structures should be consistent in different locations or areas of worship
-Examples of power structures and hierarchies: A priest, a pope, Brahman, Dalal lama, Imam, The Grand Mufti of Egypt
- dissent (disagree/arguing) is rarely allowed –> reinforces authority and respect up the chain of command
-strict rules around who can/cannot join ranks (e.g. promotion or acceptance may be based on merit, gender, measure of faith, etc)
-Pope, bishops and saints people amongst the higher levels of the hierarchy
-each individual/group responsible for different tasks and/or locations
-For belief systems, there can be exclusion of females as priests, or in a position of power. For instance, in the catholic church, women are typically not allowed beyond the level of laity (nun)
What is the role of hierarchy in belief systems and ideologies?
Values and culture are passed down over time and are preserved –> greater institutional memory
reinforces authority, continuous functioning
Most hierarchies are there to allow for that belief system to function on a fairly reasonable level continuously within the environment
sets agenda, tone and teaching of an organisation (consistency in beliefs and values over different locations and areas, emphasis on different values and beliefs preached
provides a clear chain of communication which ensures smooth exchanges of information –> links to power and authority
clarify lines of communication, ensure continuity of the system, manage change effectively, bestow power and authority to ensure cohesiveness, ensure social control
Most belief systems tend to exist on a global scale –> tends to be someone in charge on a national level who feeds information to the local place of worship
sets agenda, tone and teaching of an organisation (consistency in beliefs and values over different locations and areas, emphasis on different values and beliefs preached
The catholic church has a clear and noticeable hierarchy, with each group or individual being responsible for different tasks that have been assigned to them from higher up
Hierarchies and power structures ensure belief systems run smoothly because it is clear what people at every level are expected to do and all necessary roles are carried out
