onderlingzonder

Onderlingzonder is a neologistic term used in Dutch social science to describe a mode of interaction in which members of a group coordinate and act without external intermediaries, authorities, or formal institutions. The concept emphasizes direct mutual involvement and voluntary collaboration within the group.

Etymology and origins: the word combines onderling (among each other) with zonder (without). It appears primarily in academic discussions of self-managed or peer-governed collectives and informal networks. It is not a standard entry in Dutch dictionaries and is typically used as a descriptive label in research or commentary rather than as a fixed cultural movement.

Characteristics and scope: onderlingzonder refers to settings where communication is direct, decision-making is decentralized, and accountability relies on shared norms rather than hierarchical oversight. Decision processes often use consensus or rotating leadership, and responsibility is distributed among participants. The concept applies to informal groups as well as formal collectives, including neighborhood projects, voluntary associations, open-source communities, and mutual-aid networks.

Contexts and examples: in practice, examples include neighborhood cooperatives that plan activities, fund projects, and resolve conflicts without paid mediators; online and offline communities that coordinate work through peer-to-peer collaboration; and worker or resident collectives that govern themselves through open assemblies and mutual agreements.

Reception and critique: supporters argue that onderlingzonder promotes resilience, adaptability, and trust through direct, egalitarian engagement. Critics warn of scalability limits, potential inequities if participation is uneven, and the need for informal dispute-resolution mechanisms to handle conflicts.

Related concepts include mutual aid, horizontal governance, self-management, and peer-to-peer collaboration.