subordination

Subordination is a relational concept used in linguistics and social sciences. In linguistics, it describes a dependent relationship between clauses or phrases in which one unit is governed by a higher one. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and typically functions within a larger clause as a noun, adjective, or adverb. In sociology and political science, subordination refers to the position or status of individuals or groups under the authority or control of a higher power or institution.

In syntax, subordinate clauses include noun clauses, relative clauses, and adverbial clauses. Noun clauses function as subjects or objects: “I doubt that he will come.” Relative clauses modify nouns: “The student who spoke.” Adverbial clauses modify verbs or entire clauses: “We left when the rain stopped.” Subordinate clauses are usually introduced by subordinating conjunctions (because, if, although, when), by relative pronouns (who, which, that), or by complementizers.

Subordination is distinct from coordination, where two independent clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions such as and, but, or. Many languages mark subordination through special morphology, particles, or word order; some use participial or nominalized forms to express subordinate meaning without a dedicated conjunction.

In social and organizational contexts, subordination describes a hierarchy in which individuals or groups yield authority, status, or power to others. It is a central topic in analyses of work organizations, class and gender relations, and postcolonial and comparative politics, and is studied in terms of power, obedience, and resistance.