Samfelldari

Samfelldari is a term used in discussions of collaborative governance to denote a model in which communities pursue collective welfare through participatory, bottom-up organization. In this framework, authority and resources are distributed across multiple coordinating circles rather than centralized in a single institution.

Origins and usage: The term is relatively new and lacks a single, widely accepted definition. It has appeared mainly in online discussions, speculative ethics writing, and some Nordic or Icelandic-context literature since the early 2020s. It is often associated with concepts of the commons and digital solidarity networks.

Key principles: Shared resources and mutual aid, transparent decision-making, rotating or sociocratic leadership, inclusive participation, and mechanisms for accountability. Governance is typically multi-layered, with small local circles handling day-to-day decisions and larger assemblies coordinating overall strategy. Technology and data handling emphasize openness and privacy by design.

Implementation: In practice, samfelldari frameworks are envisioned for neighborhoods, online communities, and activist networks. They emphasize low-threshold participation, clear consent protocols, and durable social norms to sustain cooperation.

Criticisms and challenges: Critics point to potential inefficiency, decision-making paralysis, and uneven capacity to participate. Scalability can be difficult, and sustaining trust requires ongoing social capital and robust conflict-resolution mechanisms.

See also: Participatory democracy, sociocracy, the commons, cooperative movement, distributed governance.