The Grace in Hierarchy

Why is hierarchy often surrounded by ambivalence? This article contributes to current debates about the goods and ills of social drawing attention double-edged role grace in hierarchical relations. Taking Aari southern Ethiopia as my example, I show how a conception seniors founts entails life marked both intense love frequent conflict. Conversion Christianity flattens hierarchies relocating source from God. As humility replaces seniors’ demands be honoured for dispensing grace, becomes less conflictual but also engaging affectionate. shows that different conceptions entail forms sociality can help explain ambivalence hierarchy.