Subjugation vs. Subordination — What's the Difference?

Subjugation is a concept that implies taking control over something or someone, often involving force or coercion. It's associated with domination and the suppression of freedom, seen in contexts of conquests or authoritarian governance. On the other hand, subordination is about ranking or positioning in a lower status or order. It can be used in military, social, or organizational contexts to describe hierarchical relationships without necessarily implying oppression or coercion.

Subjugation often entails a clear aggressor and victim, where power is seized by one party over another, frequently through violent or forceful means. This dynamic is seen in historical contexts of colonialism or in authoritarian regimes where the population is kept under control through fear and force. Subordination, while it involves a lower ranking or status, does not inherently involve force. It can be a formalized part of structured systems, like in the military, where ranks dictate the level of authority and responsibility, or in corporations where employees have different levels of seniority and authority.

In the realm of human rights and personal freedoms, subjugation is particularly negative, denoting a violation of people’s rights to self-determination and freedom. It suggests a scenario where individuals or groups are forcibly kept under control, often deprived of their rights and freedoms. Subordination, in contrast, can simply reflect natural or agreed-upon hierarchies that organize social, corporate, or other structures, and it's not inherently negative. It becomes problematic only when it's used to unjustly limit someone’s potential or rights based on arbitrary criteria like gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

Culturally and socially, subjugation has been fought against throughout history, as people strive for equality and autonomy. Movements against colonialism, slavery, and authoritarianism are examples of resistance against subjugation. Subordination, however, is often accepted as part of societal norms and structures, such as in traditional roles within families, organizations, or the military. The key difference is the element of consent and the nature of the hierarchical relationship.

Economically, subjugation can lead to exploitation, where the dominated group is used for the economic gain of the dominator, often without fair compensation or rights. In contrast, subordination in a workplace setting refers to the organizational hierarchy where individuals report to managers above them in the chain of command. While this can lead to issues of workplace inequality or abuse, it is fundamentally different from the economic exploitation seen under subjugation.