Traditional rural Muslim societies distributed political power symmetrically

Evidence

A number of interesting paradoxes manifest themselves when the Muslim system changes under the impact of modernity. In the traditional situation, rural political relationships are often symmetrical and participatory. There is a great deal of diffusion of power. Tribal leaders are just leaders; they are not really very distinct from their fellow members. Personal political power, when it emerges, is fragile and temporary. — Diego Gambetta, Trust - Making and Breaking Cooperative…, 2033

Categorization

• DEFINE: Establishes ‘symmetrical participatory politics’ as the traditional baseline against which the modern inversion is measured.