Authoritarianism of Code
This essay argues that authoritarian structures are deeply embedded in software development culture and open-source communities. The author calls for a critical evaluation of these power dynamics to help developers make informed decisions about their participation in such systems.
Why it matters
It challenges the 'benevolent dictator' model common in open-source software, encouraging a shift toward more consensual and transparent organizational structures.
It's my belief that authoritarianism is so ingrained in the fabric of software development that it has been internalized to such a degree that even the most anti-authoritarian people cannot avoid being authoritarian. This essay is an attempt to outline a framework for evaluating software development practices, organizations, and communities on the basis of authoritarian and totalitarian policies and behaviors.
My goal in writing this series of essays on authoritarianism is to give people in the software development world--and specifically in open source--the information they need to make a fully enthusiastic, informed, consensual decision to continue to be a part of an authoritarian system. What I want is for people who are currently involved in a project to avoid wasting their life working for leaders and a community that ultimately will simply exploit them as all authoritarian organizations do.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in