Our Gemara on Amud Beis remarks on the complexity of the human organs, and how they were designed by God to function in a particular sequence and hierarchy. When this is disrupted, sometimes even in minor ways, catastrophic dysfunction may follow. The observation was particularly pointed in regard to the intestines which seem lengthy and convoluted, but must follow a particular system, and if that system is tangled or changed, the body is in danger.

Chasam Sofer (Ha’azinu 10) references this teaching and applies it to social and political hierarchy. It’s worth quoting him directly to feel the full impact of his ethical directive:

“To establish religion upon its foundation (a hierarchy and system is also required): prophets to rebuke and elaborate on God’s message, Kohanim for worship and instruction in Torah, ministers to lead the people, and above them all the king, who oversees the ministers that they conduct proper governance.

Now, if the king should desire to occupy himself day and night only with Torah, and not attend to the governance of the state and to wage their wars, while the priests, the teachers of halachic ruling, and those engaged in Torah were to attend to the affairs of the state — or to occupy themselves all day only with the other mitzvos — the matter would be inverted, out of order, God forbid. And all the governance would be poor and conducted in madness, and the state would not survive properly.”

This is not a PC idea because there has been a progressive dismantling of authority and institutions for the past few hundred years. In the modern world we are suspect of hierarchy and authority because we know how it has been used to oppress people. Yet, human nature does not go away quickly. There are people who are effectively too wealthy or too politically powerful to prosecute, and those who can still use their power to manipulate and oppress even in a so-called free country. It doesn’t go away. Sometimes it just goes underground and oppresses even more with hidden but powerful forces, whether it’s the marketplace, or the machinery of research and science, or selective law and regulations in the name of “saving democracy.” On the other hand, recognizing that misuse of power is part of human nature does not mean we should celebrate it.

The other side of the coin is that, as the Chasam Sofer affirms, hierarchy and recognizing one’s role in society is a stabilizing and organizing force that has promoted civilization for millennia. And, if you think about it, where it most counts, hierarchy and authority are alive and well. In the fields of medicine, boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, and the military, there are clear lines of authority. They are there because they are necessary for function.

In families and relationships, when people have a role, know their role and fulfill it, there are more chances for success and happiness. No one should be oppressed or forced into a traditional marriage with typical masculine and feminine duties, but if all parties accept and lean into them without resentment nor abuse of power, it is a tried and true model. It may not work for everyone but it can work for many and there has been too little emphasis on its value. Traditional male and female functions, if not imposed in an oppressive manner, offer safety, identity and play on strengths, the social capital and accumulated wisdom of thousands of years.