An academic theory that tries to explain society not by its core values, but by the perceived value of the last, most optional bit of social interaction (the marginal social unit). It asks: does adding one more rule, expectation, or person to a group increase cohesion or just become coercive? The theory suggests that social pressure, like a product, has diminishing returns. The first few norms that keep us from chaos are high-value, but the 100th nitpicky rule about how you must behave is often low-value and purely coercive, creating resentment instead of unity.
Social Marginalism Example: In a tight-knit neighborhood, the first few social expectations (e.g., bring in a neighbor's trash can, wave hello) have high marginal utility—they build trust. But when the neighborhood association starts mandating the exact shade of beige for your curtains and fining you for not attending every block party, that last social unit has low utility. It crosses from cohesion into coercion, making people want to move away. Social marginalism analyzes that breaking point.
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 7, 2026
Get the Social Marginalism mug.In Dungeons and Dragons or any other pen and paper RPG, when the Dungeon Master (or DM) invents or gives a way for the players to live when they normally would have died.
Our DM is really easy to play with. Any time we're about to die, a little De-eMus ex Machina comes along and saves us.
by Jim Moak January 13, 2008
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macgina • mangina • magina • McGina • Machina • Marginal • Machination • maxgina • macina • mackinator
In works of fiction; the use/revelation of a character’s sexuality to advance the plot. Similar to Deus ex Machina, but gayer.
Girl 1: “Omg, Madonna was literally dying till she realised she was actually in love with Shakira, then she got up and started dancing! That’s the power of love for you.”
Girl 2: “No, that’s the power of Gayus ex Machina and bad storytelling.”
Girl 2: “No, that’s the power of Gayus ex Machina and bad storytelling.”
by XaneiFoxx May 12, 2020
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Get the the inner machinations of my mind mug.Quando in Brawlhalla "macini" l'avversario alludendo al caffe'.
by Olive77 July 10, 2024
Get the 8 Grammi Macinato Fresco mug.Phenomena where the most unbreedable character in fiction gets laid for the purpose of plot or bad writing
(insert the most annoying character in fiction) is getting laid can you believe it?
fucking Deus sex machina
fucking Deus sex machina
by evil molester February 11, 2026
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