@TaLoN132 Dont know if it is still relevant, but the mechanisms you ask for are the same as in every other society. Humans are attracted to hierarchies as freedom, while often expressed preferable, is scary as autonomy involves responsibility for your own existence. Very few are strong enough to handle this autonomy and those people are left with two options; climb in the existing main hierarchy as best they can, or - if unable for whatever reason - find a smaller hierarchy (subcult), where they function better.
The the smaller ones will mirror the mainframe hierarchy in that they will have structure, language, power and alliances forming in the early phases when climbing is relatively easy, then transfer to a period of sedimentation, with rather fixed powerstructures, and a breakdown where new smaller hierarchies are formed.
As the mainframe is now in breakdown, you will see an increasing number of smaller hierarchies (cults) take shape, sediment and dissolve. Some thinkers believe this process of conception, thrive, death will increase as the mainframe moves closer to annihilation.
This model will be rather useful in understanding why it gets harder and harder to elect a POTUS. The mainframe is displaying significant structural damage, and new, detached hierarchies (democrats and republicans) are formed. They then go through a process of fracturing as well (sanders-vs- clinton and Trump-vs-GOP). This process is supposed to increase in speed and momentum till you have chaos according to Sokates and Warlords according to Oswald Spengler.
