The Dilemma in Political Activity
As usual, if we are to understand dynamics and related problems in , then we must identify the duality that energizes and disturbs people. All the cross-level influences of the Groupings of will be affected.
In this case, the dilemma can be represented as: Integrative v Divisive.
- The integrative pole relates to actions, ideas, issues, choices, statements, principles or theories that are inclusive and bring all groups in society together. This pole is societal/communal in nature.
- The divisive pole relates to the same activities provoking, forcing, identifying or highlighting differences, often seemingly irreconcilable, within a society. This pole is a personal/individual matter.
This duality may be referred to in various other ways, e.g.
• unifying v splitting
• inclusive v exclusive
• wider group v in-group
• societal v sectional
• public v private
Both poles are required and overuse of one pole will distort political life and weaken society. Each Level must now be examined in turn, but the general pattern is known.
We will find that …
- at some Levels (Groupings) the poles are discrete and require separate Centres. This is the case when
. So, for these levels, we need to create new names and determine which of the two poles is dominant. - for other Groupings in political life we must expect that both poles will naturally and spontaneously fuse or synthesize in the Centre, which is said to be balanced.
Formulae
The integrative/unifying Centres will be identified with a subscript I.
The divisive/splitting Centres will be identified with a subscript D.
The balanced Centres will be identified with a subscript B.
- Now apply the integrative/divisive duality to each Level of .
Originally posted: August-2009; Last updated: 15-Nov-2010