hierarchism
Definition
Noun: hierarchism refers to the principle or system of organizing society, institutions, or thought according to a hierarchy—that is, a graded order of ranks, status, or authority, where each level is subordinate to the one above it.
Usage Examples
- (The organization was based on a rigid chain of command.)
- (The system of ranking teachers and students by authority limits innovation.)
- (The principle of structured ranks within a church.)
Advanced Usage
"bureaucratic hierarchism": a system where authority is organized in a pyramid-like structure within government or large organizations.
- The inefficiency of bureaucratic hierarchism frustrated employees. (The rigid ranking system caused delays.)
"social hierarchism": the belief that society should be stratified into distinct classes or castes.
- Social hierarchism was a key feature of feudal societies. (The principle of ranking people by birth or status.)
Variants and Related Words
Hierarchical (adj): arranged in a graded order.
- The company has a hierarchical structure. (It has levels of authority from top to bottom.)
Hierarchy (n): a system of ranks or levels.
- The church's hierarchy includes bishops, priests, and deacons. (The graded order of clergy.)
Synonyms
- Ranking system: a method of ordering items or people by level.
- Stratification: the division of society into layers based on status or power.
- Pyramid of authority: a visual metaphor for hierarchical organization.
Related Idioms
"Top-down order": a system where commands come from the highest level.
- The project followed a top-down order, with managers making all decisions. (It was based on hierarchism.)
"Chain of command": the line of authority within an organization.
- Respecting the chain of command is essential in the military. (Adhering to hierarchism.)