This blog is a shout out to my colleague Elle Kamihira for her podcast Subject to Power and the terrific interview she conducted with Riane Eisler, titled Systems of Peace.
As I continue to develop my Quicksand Model™ of Coercive Control I often come across new, and not so new, research and theories that are compatible and useful enhancements to my model. Riane Eisler's work on partnership systems and domination systems definitely fits that bill.
"Riane Eisler is a social systems scientist, cultural historian, futurist, and attorney whose research, writing, and speaking has transformed the lives of people worldwide." Just like the Quicksand Model™, the partnership domination continuum is a systems-based approach to transformation (which can be especially important when addressing things like domestic abuse and coercive control).
I have a deep appreciation for this model! Its foundation in systems thinking, which I see as crucial for putting an end to coercive control, makes it even more commendable. Additionally, it's remarkably straightforward and accessible. The partnership systems model classifies cultures by their position on the partnership-to-domination continuum, and its simplicity is truly brilliant!
Despite its ease of understanding and straightforward application, the model accommodates nuance by situating cultures on a continuum rather than at extreme ends. This avoids fostering divisive black and white thinking that could fuel extremism and hate. The partnership domination continuum serves as a valuable guide, steering away from domination and towards peace.
You might be curious about the connection to coercive control. Coercive control involves a recurring pattern of behavior aimed at dominating someone through force, fraud, or fear, and it thrives within domination systems. Listening to Elle's podcast interview with Riane Eisler, I realized how seamlessly the partnership domination continuum offers a straightforward framework for identification and serves as an antidote to coercive control, aligning perfectly with the Quicksand Model™.
I strongly endorse this podcast! Perhaps, after tuning in, you'll feel as inspired as I did to delve into Riane Eisler's writings. I'm currently halfway through Nurturing Our Humanity, which when coupled with the application of the Quicksand Model™, has the potential to genuinely reshape the world.
Thank You to Elle & Riane for their dedicated efforts in combating domination (coercive control) and gender-based violence (also coercive control)!
