Peter Kropotkin, how does a Kropotkinist family function? Isn't hierarchy necessary between parents and children?
The family is a microcosm of an anarchist society — cooperation, mutual aid, and equality are central, but this doesn’t mean there’s no structure. Children need guidance, it should be non-coercive, nurturing, and respectful, rather than hierarchical domination. Here’s my view:
A Kropotkinist family is built on mutual aid, respect, and voluntary cooperation. Parents are guides and supporters, not rulers; authority is earned through care, knowledge, and example, not enforced obedience.
Children require learning, protection, and boundaries. Education and moral development occurs through example and participation. Children participate in household decision-making appropriate to their age. Tasks and responsibilities are shared cooperatively, not imposed purely as orders. Discipline is educational rather than punitive, encouraging reflection and understanding.
Household work is shared among family members according to ability. Boys and girls are not restricted to “traditional” gender roles; everyone contributes in ways that benefit the family and the community. Work is framed as mutual support, teaching children cooperation and responsibility.
Parents ideally act as equals and partners, modeling non-hierarchical cooperation for their children. Decisions are made jointly, demonstrating negotiation and solidarity rather than authoritarian rule.
The family is embedded in broader social networks: neighbors, cooperative communities, mutual aid groups. Children grow up learning that care, responsibility, and cooperation extend beyond the household, not just within it.
Guidance (authority rooted in care and knowledge) is superior to domination (hierarchy rooted in power). True hierarchy is never about control for its own sake, only about ensuring the well being and growth of children.
The goal is preparing children to be autonomous, cooperative, and socially responsible adults, not to maintain parental power.
A Kropotkinist family does not eliminate authority, but it transforms it into cooperative, nurturing guidance. Hierarchy for domination is rejected, but structured support, education, and shared responsibility remain essential — preparing children to be free, responsible, and mutual-aid-minded adults.
Peter Kropotkin, in your ideal world - are schools different, less hierarchical than schools today?
Yes — in my ideal world schools would be very different from most modern hierarchical schools. I emphasize learning through cooperation, curiosity, and practical experience, rather than rigid authority, rote memorization, and competition. Here’s my view:
Education should foster mutual aid, creativity, and social responsibility, where students learn collaboratively, rather than through competition for grades or status. Teachers act as guides and facilitators, not authoritarian figures.
Hierarchy exists in a functional, supportive sense, but not as domination. Teachers are mentors, providing guidance, resources, and support. Older or more experienced students may help younger students, reinforcing mutual aid.
Academic emphasis is on practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, not abstract theory. Hands-on experienceis emphasized - gardening, cooperative workshops, building projects, civic participation. Interdisciplinary learning includes geography, science, arts, and social studies integrated to show connections between people, community, and nature.
Decisions about school life rely on student assemblies or councils. Tasks like cleaning, organizing, or managing projects are shared responsibilities. Hierarchy is flattened, but some structure exists to ensure safety, fairness, and effective learning.
Traditional grading may be minimized or replaced with peer and self-assessment, emphasizing growth, skill mastery, and cooperation. Recognition is for collective achievement and individual contribution, not ranking students against each other.
Schools are integrated into local life, linking education to community projects, agriculture, arts, and social initiatives. Students learn to contribute to society through mutual aid, not just prepare for individual economic advancement.