R: Submit to Hierarchy

It is all too common for people to associate hierarchy with centuries old kings and queens, pharaohs, and emperors. However, even today we are surrounded by such systematic ordering based on rank. In fact, one does not need to look any further than corporations, churches, court systems, and even family structure to see forms of hierarchy in today's world.

Although modern forms of hierarchy are clearly present, the effects of such a societal structure are not so obvious. Do humans benefit from being assigned a rank among their peers? Or, since all men are created equal, should they remain at an equal status in society? In a broader sense, is hierarchy necessary to maintain tradition in a rapidly changing world? Can hierarchy be used as a tool to suppress those ranked low among the spectrum? Or does having seemingly layered authority bring about a more efficient and productive society?