dearchism
A structural or philosophical approach characterized by the rejection of hierarchy, centralized authority, or a singular dominant 'arch' (rule). It advocates for decentralized, horizontal organization where power and focus are distributed evenly across a system.
Examples
3 of 5Our neighborhood garden operates on a principle of dearchism, where every member has an equal say in planting decisions.
Our neighborhood garden operates on a principle of dearchism, where every member has an equal say in planting decisions.
The architect's latest project is a masterclass in dearchism, featuring a sprawling layout that consciously avoids a central focal point.
The architect's latest project is a masterclass in dearchism, featuring a sprawling layout that consciously avoids a central focal point.
We tried a bit of dearchism for the group project, but it ended up being a mess without a clear leader.
We tried a bit of dearchism for the group project, but it ended up being a mess without a clear leader.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Break the word down: 'de-' (remove) + 'arch' (the ruler or the keystone of a bridge). Imagine a bridge where every stone is the same size, with no single 'arch' holding the rest up.
Quick Quiz
The software development team moved away from a rigid management structure, opting instead for a system of _____ to foster innovation.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dearchism
Examples
Our neighborhood garden operates on a principle of dearchism, where every member has an equal say in planting decisions.
everydayOur neighborhood garden operates on a principle of dearchism, where every member has an equal say in planting decisions.
The architect's latest project is a masterclass in dearchism, featuring a sprawling layout that consciously avoids a central focal point.
formalThe architect's latest project is a masterclass in dearchism, featuring a sprawling layout that consciously avoids a central focal point.
We tried a bit of dearchism for the group project, but it ended up being a mess without a clear leader.
informalWe tried a bit of dearchism for the group project, but it ended up being a mess without a clear leader.
Scholars argue that the digital revolution has fostered a new era of dearchism in information dissemination, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
academicScholars argue that the digital revolution has fostered a new era of dearchism in information dissemination, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
Adopting a model of dearchism allowed the startup to pivot quickly by empowering individual teams to make executive decisions.
businessAdopting a model of dearchism allowed the startup to pivot quickly by empowering individual teams to make executive decisions.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the spirit of dearchism
the spirit of dearchism
a move toward dearchism
a move toward dearchism
dearchism in design
dearchism in design
Often Confused With
Anarchism is a broad political ideology seeking to abolish the state, while dearchism is a more specific structural or aesthetic rejection of hierarchy.
Decentralization is the process of moving power away from a center; dearchism is the philosophical state of being without a 'rule' or 'center'.
Usage Notes
The term is highly specialized and most commonly found in architectural theory (notably used by Rem Koolhaas) or niche political philosophy. While often used as a noun, it can function attributively to describe non-hierarchical structures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'chaos'; however, dearchism implies a specific, intentional lack of hierarchy, not necessarily a lack of order.
Memory Tip
Break the word down: 'de-' (remove) + 'arch' (the ruler or the keystone of a bridge). Imagine a bridge where every stone is the same size, with no single 'arch' holding the rest up.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'de-' (undoing/removing) and 'archē' (rule, origin, or architectural arch).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The term gained traction in postmodern architectural discourse to describe buildings that challenge traditional monumentality and focalized power.
Quick Quiz
The software development team moved away from a rigid management structure, opting instead for a system of _____ to foster innovation.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dearchism
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