The Tyranny of Structurelessness (1970)

The essay “THE TYRANNY of STRUCTURELESSNESS” by Jo Freeman discusses the idea of leaderless, structureless groups within the women’s liberation movement. The author highlights how the emphasis on “structurelessness” can lead to informal hierarchies and power dynamics that exclude certain individuals based on personal characteristics rather than competence or dedication to the movement. Freeman argues that formal structures and decision-making processes are necessary to ensure inclusivity and transparency within activist groups. The essay also critiques the “star” system within the movement, where certain individuals become spokespersons without an official mandate from the group.

https://www.jofreeman.com/joreen/tyranny.htm

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