Dominantsusest

Dominantsusest is a neologism used to describe the state or process by which a dominant actor or group maintains influence within a social system through indirect, non-coercive means. The term combines a root related to dominance with a nominalizing suffix, and it does not have an established definition in peer‑reviewed literature. In practice, dominantsusest refers to how leadership or hierarchical advantage is sustained through norms, reputation, information control, and network effects rather than through overt commands or force.

Definition and scope: The concept focuses on mechanisms that produce persistent dominance, including selective information dissemination, social approval systems, and gatekeeping that shapes participation and perception. It is applicable to human organizations, online communities, and animal groups exhibiting leader–follower dynamics where power is maintained through tacit agreement and coordination rather than coercion.

Distinction from related ideas: Dominantsusest differs from domination or coercive power by emphasizing non-coercive strategies. It overlaps with concepts such as soft power, social influence, and cultural hegemony but is intended to capture a structural quality of sustained influence within a system.

Evidence and debate: Because dominantsusest is a coined term with limited or no dedicated empirical work, its definitions and boundaries are subject to interpretation. Critics may argue that it risks duplicating existing concepts or lacking precise operationalization for research.

See also: dominance, leadership, soft power, hegemony, social influence.