Powerarchy: Understanding the Psychology of Oppression for Social Transformation Audiobook (Free)

Harvard-educated psychologist and bestselling author Melanie Joy exposes the psychology that underlies all types of oppression and misuse and the belief system that gives rise to the mindset—which she calls powerarchy.

Melanie Pleasure had always been curious as to the reasons people who were against a number of types of oppression—such as racism, sexism, speciesism, and so forth—often stayed mired in many others. She also considered why individuals who had been working toward interpersonal justice sometimes involved in about Powerarchy: Understanding the Psychology of Oppression for Sociable Transformation social dynamics which were unjust. Or why individuals who valued independence and democracy might nevertheless vote and action against these values. Where was the disconnect?

Within this thought-provoking analysis, Joy points out how we’ve all been deeply conditioned by the invisible system of powerarchy to believe within a hierarchy of moral value—to view some individuals and groups as possibly more or less worthy of moral consideration—and to treat them accordingly.

Powerarchy circumstances us to engage in power dynamics that violate integrity and damage dignity, and it generates unjust power imbalances among sociable groups and between people. Joy identifies how powerarchies—both social and social—perpetuate themselves through cognitive distortions, such as denial and justification; narratives that reinforce the belief in a hierarchy of moral well worth; and privileges that are granted for some rather than others. She also provides tools for transformation.

By illuminating powerarchy as well as the psychology it creates, Joy helps us to work even more fully toward change for ourselves, others, and our world.