In the domination model those on top strictly control those below them. People learn to obey orders without question and to repress their anger against those above, leading to denial, scapegoating and frustration taken out on those below. Everyone is guarded and mistrustful, living in fear and pain. They develop beliefs justifying these relations, and social structures that reinforce them, and unthinkingly pass both on to the next generation. Times have changed since this system was first set in place, but these ingrained habits still impede the fulfilling relationships we all want.
People learn from childhood to accept, appreciate and value everyone's feelings.
Traits such as empathy and compassion, strength and leadership are not gender specific but available to all. Partnership relations free our innate capacity to feel joy, to play, to grow. They promote creativity, trust, empathy, mutual respect, and caring. The last three hundred years have produced a strong movement toward partnership. One tradition of domination after another has been challenged - from despotic kings to child abuse.