page_title: Outline of anarchism
section_title: Anarchist schools of thought
hierarchical_section_title: Outline of anarchism / Anarchist schools of thought
context_page_description: The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to anarchism, generally defined as the political philosophy which holds the state to be undesirable, unnecessary and harmful, or alternatively as opposing authority and hierarchical organization in the conduct of human relations. Proponents of anarchism, known as anarchists, advocate stateless societies or non-hierarchical voluntary associations.
context_section_description: Anarchism has many heterogeneous and diverse schools of thought, united by a common opposition to compulsory rule. Anarchist schools are characterized by "the belief that government is both harmful and unnecessary", but may differ fundamentally, supporting anything from extreme individualism to complete collectivism. Regardless, some are viewed as being compatible, and it is not uncommon for individuals to subscribe to more than one. Some of the following terms do not refer to specific branches of anarchist thought, but rather are generic labels applied to various branches, they are marked as umbrella terms.
caption: The bisected flags/stars which symbolize various anarchist schools of thought (note that these are not necessarily mutually exclusive; for example, a pacifist can be a communist, and that this does not display all anarchist schools.)