Abstracting Consent as a Process in Free Association
Consent is a fundamental ingredient of Free Association, and it is to be understood as an ongoing process rather than a static, one-time event. When consent is treated as a singular moment, it risks transforming into coercion, thus undermining the very essence of free association. For instance, imagine a scenario where someone in need receives help but is then required to sign a contract for two years of work in return. This situation turns initial consent into coercion and eventually slavery because the consent was not continuously reaffirmed but was instead treated as a one-time event. To ensure that consent remains genuine, it must be free of coercion and treated as an ongoing process.Consider a company that offers someone a job, but the employment contract stipulates that if the employee leaves within three years, they must repay the equivalent of the remaining months' salary. The employee, under economic and circumstantial coercion, may agree to these terms, but this Coercive Consent(Coercive Consent is a coercion and antithetical to Free Consent/Continual Consent) traps them, preventing them from pursuing better opportunities. Here, consent morphs into coercion, and Free Association devolves into a form of modern-day slavery. Thus, consent can only exist in its true form & function if it is seen as an ongoing process rather than a one-time, isolated event.
In another example, imagine a couple where both partners initially consent to sex. However, if one partner feels uncomfortable and expresses nonconsent, but the other partner continues regardless, the act of love transforms into assault and abuse. Similarly, in business, work, and affinity groups, consent unless abstracted as a process turns into assault and abuse and therefore it must be dialectically understood as a process. Consent must be continually reaffirmed to maintain the integrity of Free Association.
Abstracting Consent as an Internal Relation to Free Association
Consent is internally related to the Free Association, and neither can exist without the other. Consent is the continual expression of an individual or group to freely associate in symbiotic relations (mutualist/commensalist) with another individual or group in a non-hierarchical and non-coercive manner, thus forming a Free Association. Free association is antithetical to hierarchy which is internally related to coercion. Hierarchical relations involve imbalanced and centralized power, which creates violence and inequality between privileged and underprivileged parties. Consequently, hierarchy is fundamentally opposed to free association.In hierarchical relations, ongoing processual consent is non-existent because hierarchy expresses imbalanced power. Centralized power fosters violence between the privileged and underprivileged, making hierarchy the opposite of free association. Consent, whether in romantic relationships, workgroups, cooperative worker relations, or affinity group and member relations, must always be continual and processual. Free association cannot exist when hierarchy and coercion replace consent.
To further elaborate, in romantic relationships, continuous consent is essential for maintaining mutual respect and equality. Each partner must feel free to express their consent or nonconsent at any time, ensuring that the relationship remains consensual and non-coercive. In workgroups, the same principle applies. Employees must have the freedom to consent to tasks, projects, and working conditions without fear of coercion or hierarchical pressure. Cooperative worker relations thrive based on mutual consent, with each member having an equal say in decision-making processes, thus ensuring a truly free association.
Affinity groups, which are formed based on shared interests or goals, also require continuous consent from all members to function effectively. Each member must feel free to participate or withdraw their consent at any time, ensuring that the group operates without coercion. In all these scenarios, the ongoing process of consent is what sustains free association.
Therefore, abstracting consent as an internal relation to free association is crucial for maintaining genuine freedom and autonomy in any relationship or group. Consent must be understood as a dynamic, ongoing process that continuously reaffirms the non-hierarchical and non-coercive nature of free association. This dialectical understanding of consent ensures that free association remains true to its principles and resists the encroachment of coercion and hierarchy.
Practical Implications of Ongoing Consent in Various Contexts
The theoretical foundations of free association and ongoing consent have practical implications in various domains of life, including personal relationships, workplaces, and social movements.Personal Relationships
In personal relationships, the principle of ongoing consent is essential for maintaining healthy and respectful dynamics. Continuous consent ensures that all parties feel valued and respected, fostering trust and intimacy. For example, in romantic relationships, partners should regularly communicate their boundaries, preferences, and comfort levels. This ongoing dialogue helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that both partners feel safe and respected.Moreover, the concept of enthusiastic consent, which emphasizes clear, affirmative, and voluntary agreement to engage in specific activities, is crucial in intimate relationships. Enthusiastic consent goes beyond mere acquiescence and requires active participation and agreement from all parties. This approach helps prevent situations where one partner may feel pressured or coerced into activities they are not comfortable with.
Workplaces
In the democratic workplace, ongoing consent is critical for creating fair and equitable working conditions. Co-op workers should have the autonomy to negotiate terms, express concerns, and make decisions without fear of retaliation or coercion. Free Association and consent are nonexistent in contexts where hierarchy exists, such as between employers and employees.For instance, in cooperative workplaces, decision-making processes should be inclusive and democratic, ensuring that all members have a voice. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, ongoing consent in the workplace can help address issues related to job security, working conditions, and professional development, ensuring that worker feel valued and respected.
Social Movements
Social movements and affinity groups also benefit from the principles of free association and ongoing consent. These groups often form around shared interests or goals, and maintaining voluntary participation is essential for their effectiveness and cohesion. Ongoing consent ensures that members feel empowered to contribute, withdraw, or modify their involvement based on their personal circumstances and evolving interests.For example, in grassroots organizing, consensus-based decision-making processes help ensure that all members have a say in the direction and actions of the group. This approach prevents the concentration of power and fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment. By prioritizing ongoing consent, social movements can maintain their integrity and adaptability, allowing them to respond effectively to changing contexts and challenges.
A political party is the exact opposite of an affinity group since it is hierarchal in structure and is internally related to coercion. If means and ends are not dialectically aligned then the end in such cases can only be abstracted as idealist and utopian!
Conclusion: Embracing Free Association and Dialectics of Consent
The dialectics of consent in free association highlight the importance of understanding consent as an ongoing, dynamic process within a non-hierarchal, non-coercive, and directly democratic system. Whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or social movements, continuous and free consent, which can only exist in non-hierarchal relations, is essential for maintaining freedom, and mutual respect. By recognizing consent as an ongoing process, we can ensure that free associations remain non-coercive, equitable, non-hierarchal and genuinely free.About the Author
