Voluntarism

criticisms [link]

pursuing pure voluntarism as an ideology (and not simply an ideal) tends to ignore the realities of power imbalances. If two people are inequal, then they can never come to a voluntary agreement – the power of one will coerce the other, even if subconsciously.

Consider whether one can “voluntarily” become a slave. Or, more relevant today, consider the wage labor system. Is it truly “voluntary” if your food, shelter, and very survival depends on such a “voluntary” arrangement?

The cold reality is that voluntarism is merely idealism so long as any social class or hierarchy exists. Maybe some prefigurative politics are necessary, but you have to push for progress without 100% support or you’ll wait forever.