SSA Ontology
Glossary Of Systemic Bypass
A permanent publication within the SSA Ontology, with a stable web address and machine-readable identity.
This glossary maps how systems design around lived experience rather than with it. These patterns show up when authorities pretend to include—but redirect, obscure, or neutralise your voice at every step.
When the system avoids saying “no” but designs impossible pathways that function as a no. This includes excessive forms, vague eligibility criteria, or open-ended application processes that technically exist—but aren’t meant to succeed.
Passing concerns from agency to agency until the original issue is diluted or abandoned. This form of bureaucratic ping-pong deflects responsibility under the guise of referral.
Inviting lived-experience contributors to consultations or panels without any intention to incorporate their recommendations. This uses presence as permission—conflating being seen with being heard or empowered.
When the complaints or reform process is made deliberately confusing, untraceable, or repetitive. Designed to overwhelm or discredit the complainant through technicalities, not truth.
When systems claim to be receptive to feedback but repeatedly route it to dead ends, irrelevant staff, or delayed “future planning cycles.” This tactic creates the illusion of inclusion while exhausting participants into silence.