Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: A Glimps of Cohousing in 2060

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Dec 24, 2014, at 8:44 AM, R Philip Dowds <rpdowds [at] comcast.net> wrote:

> Said another way … I agree that toleration of diversity and the end of 
> oppression are much to be desired.  But I’m not convinced that consensus 
> decision-making is the key to this challenge.

If it is used as an opportunity to understand and allow for diversity, it can 
be. When objections are taken seriously and resolved instead of submerged or 
over powered.

Unfortunately, subversion or overpowering is to often used, consciously or 
unconsciously. The majority wants you to consent for the "good of the 
community," one of my pet peeves. The "good of the community" is most often 
raised when the majority unites against the "holdouts" or the "blockers." Is it 
ever defined before discussion starts?

That is one reason why I would like to see preference ratings use more often. 
Even if it isn't used to make the final decision, it can be very revealing of 
where individuals stand on a spectrum of I can live with this or I think this 
is a good idea.

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Sociocracy: A Deeper Democracy
http://www.sociocracy.info