What is one defining characteristic of anarchism?

Anarchism is primarily defined by its opposition to all forms of hierarchical authority, particularly government structures. It advocates for a stateless society where individuals function freely and cooperatively without the imposition of governmental institutions. This perspective stems from the belief that governments restrict personal freedoms and create systems of inequality and oppression. By eliminating government structures, anarchism aims to promote self-governed social and economic arrangements based on voluntary associations and mutual aid.

The other options represent ideas that may be associated with other political ideologies. For instance, drastic economic reforms and collective ownership of property can be part of socialist or communist theories, which seek a different type of governance or economic structure rather than the complete absence of government central authority that anarchism promotes. Strong central authority is contradictory to the fundamental principles of anarchism, which seeks to dismantle such hierarchies. Thus, the defining characteristic of anarchism is clearly its goal of eliminating government structures, allowing for true individual freedom and autonomy.