Subservience

Subservience is the state of being excessively eager to please or obey others. It often involves putting one's own needs, opinions, and desires secondary to those of a person or group perceived as being in a position of power or authority. This behavior is characterized by a lack of assertiveness, a willingness to yield to control, and a tendency to avoid conflict, even at the expense of personal well-being or integrity. Subservience can manifest in various ways, from subtle deference to outright obedience, and its motivations can range from a genuine desire for approval to a fear of reprisal or the pursuit of perceived advantages.

Subservience meaning with examples

• In the workplace, her Subservience to the demanding manager was evident in her constant agreement, even when she knew better, and her willingness to work excessive hours without complaint. This impacted her mental health and reduced her ability to perform in other areas. It was a constant source of tension, hindering her career advancement in the long term.
• The novel depicted a society where citizens displayed an unquestioning Subservience to the autocratic rulers, fearing the consequences of dissent. Every action, even casual conversation, was controlled. Their lives revolved around appeasing the powerful, highlighting the erosion of individuality and freedom.
• During the hostage negotiation, the negotiator recognized the captor's reliance on the victim's subservience. Exploiting this vulnerability, he encouraged the hostages to demonstrate unwavering obedience to begin their release process. The key was understanding the delicate power dynamic.
• The historical analysis of the colonial era highlighted the pervasive Subservience of the indigenous population. Forced labor and suppression of cultural practices demonstrated a pattern of exploitative control. It highlights how power imbalances can breed oppressive realities.