Why Is the Dominant Ontology Harmful?
The dominant ontology, rooted in separation, hierarchy, and control, shapes much of modern society. It positions humans as distinct from and superior to nature, prioritizes individualism over community, and upholds systems like colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy. While this worldview has driven technological and economic advancements, it is deeply harmful to individuals, communities, and the planet. Here’s why:
1. It Drives Environmental Destruction
At the heart of the dominant ontology is the belief that nature is a resource to be used, managed, and controlled for human benefit. This mindset has fueled deforestation, climate change, and the exploitation of natural resources, often without consideration for the long-term consequences. By severing the relationship between humans and the Earth, the dominant ontology disregards the interdependence required for ecological balance and sustainability.
2. It Perpetuates Inequality and Exploitation
The dominant ontology upholds systems of power that benefit a few at the expense of many. Colonialism, for example, imposed this worldview on Indigenous peoples, displacing their relational ways of life and extracting resources from their lands. Capitalism amplifies these harms by valuing profit over well-being, treating labor, land, and even people as commodities. This leads to systemic inequities that disproportionately harm marginalized communities while enriching those in power.
3. It Disconnects People from Each Other and Themselves
By prioritizing individualism, the dominant ontology undermines community care and mutual support. It fosters competition rather than collaboration, leaving individuals feeling isolated and disconnected. This disconnection extends inward, as people are often taught to suppress emotions, ignore intuition, and disconnect from their bodies in pursuit of productivity and success. Over time, this alienation can contribute to mental health struggles, burnout, and a sense of meaninglessness.
4. It Erases Other Ways of Knowing
The dominant ontology promotes a “one-world world” narrative, dismissing relational, Indigenous, and non-Western ways of knowing as inferior or irrelevant. This not only perpetuates cultural erasure but also limits humanity’s collective ability to address global challenges. Relational worldviews, for example, offer vital insights into sustainability, community care, and resilience—insights often overlooked or undervalued in dominant systems.
5. It Reinforces Trauma and Disconnection
The separation at the core of the dominant ontology creates a cycle of trauma. People are disconnected from the land, their communities, and their own sense of belonging, leading to feelings of emptiness and dislocation. This disconnection is often passed down through generations, perpetuating patterns of harm. Healing from this requires unlearning the narratives of separation and rebuilding relationships with ourselves, each other, and the world.
Moving Beyond the Dominant Ontology
To address the harms of the dominant ontology, we must embrace relational ways of being that prioritize connection, reciprocity, and care. This means recognizing that humans are not separate from nature but part of its web, that communities thrive through mutual support rather than competition, and that healing requires reimagining systems that value life over profit.
The dominant ontology is harmful because it fractures the relationships that sustain life. But by unlearning these narratives and embracing relationality, we can begin to repair these fractures and build a world rooted in justice, balance, and belonging.
An Invitation
What would it mean to unlearn the narratives of separation and embrace a relational way of being? How might your life change if you saw yourself as part of a larger web of connections—with the Earth, your community, and yourself? The journey away from the dominant ontology is challenging but transformative, offering a path toward healing, justice, and belonging. Let’s walk this path together, weaving a new story where connection and care guide the way.
