Theirits

Theirits is a fictional model of sociopolitical organization described in speculative fiction and related thought experiments. It portrays a decentralized network of communities that practice shared stewardship of resources, decision-making through open assemblies, and mutual aid without a centralized state. The term is used to explore how egalitarian norms might function in complex societies.

Etymology and origins: The coinage 'theirits' is commonly treated as a portmanteau of 'their' and 'its', emphasizing collective ownership and responsibility. In different works, the concept is presented as arising from long-standing collaborative traditions or as a deliberate design to avoid hierarchy; exact origins vary by narrative.

Structure and governance: Local assemblies discuss resource use and policy, with leadership rotating through service-based offices rather than hereditary or wealth-based authority. Resources are pooled in common stores, and surplus is allocated to communal projects or mutual aid. Trade networks operate on reciprocity and transparent accounting.

Culture and practice: Mutual aid, shared ceremonial exchanges, and public ledgers are recurrent features. Membership is typically inclusive of families, guilds, and artisan groups within a given geographic area, and mobility between communities is common within agreed terms.

Reception and use: In fiction, theirits serves to examine questions of collective responsibility, resilience under stress, and tensions between equality and efficiency. Critics note potential challenges such as decision-making deadlock, free-rider problems, or vulnerability to external pressure, while proponents point to adaptability and social cohesion.