Jaotus

Jaotus is a term used in worldbuilding to describe a traditional system of communal resource sharing and participatory governance observed in several fictional cultures. At its core, Jaotus combines shared possession of essential goods with decision-making by consensus, aiming to balance collective needs with opportunities and to prevent hoarding by a privileged minority.

The term is said to originate in a constructed language created for the Jaotarian peoples of a fictional archipelago. In that language jao means "to bind" and tus signifies "together," yielding a rough meaning of "binding together through sharing."

Practically, Jaotus operates through regular assemblies where all adult members vote on resource allocations. A rotating stewardship oversees inventories, records surpluses, and ensures baseline entitlements. When demand exceeds supply, surpluses—prioritizing housing, food, and healthcare—are redistributed to households with the greatest need. The system emphasizes transparency and mutual accountability, with public records and communal oversight.

Historically, Jaotus emerged in response to recurring shortages and external threats. Over time it evolved into a social norm that discourages accumulation and promotes communal responsibility. Regional variants exist, with some communities incorporating trade and limited markets while preserving core redistribution principles.

In contemporary fiction, Jaotus is used to explore themes of equity, collective action, and the tension between egalitarian ideals and individual freedom. Critics note potential stalemates and bureaucratic inertia, while supporters argue it strengthens social cohesion and resilience in times of crisis.