The topos of neocracy: Introduction & genealogy

Abstract

This paper aims to insert the topos of neocracy within the literary studies. Based on Carl Meiner’s definition of topos, our initial goal is to define a neocracy: a fictional representation of a society or community formed only by children that live and survive without any adults’ guidance, sometimes without the collaboration of adults, and even despite adults’ desire that this kind of group exists. We first present the historical context in which this topos appears, then comment on novels that seem to be milestones regarding the first occurrences of neocracies (by the turn of the 19^th century), and the perpetuation of the topos in 21st-century literature. Next, based on the historical process that built up the modern concepts of “adult” and “child,” we argue that both are identities rather than psychobiological conditions. Adult identity presupposes an idealization of what a child is. In turn, the topos of neocracy criticizes the hierarchy between both concepts. Such idealization generates a stereotype of children as beings marked by absences and inabilities. We defend that this kind of stereotype spreads the idea that children must be quarantined from the outside world until they grow up, as well as the certainty that children shall not take part in decisions concerning the common good. Therefore, literary texts presenting neocracies seem to offer new representations of children-one that may affect real life and help change children’s current status quo, i.e., their physical and political relative isolation in the societies they live.

Keywords:
adult; child; literature; neocracy; topos