Preview of Findings
Summary of Functions
The Groupings and their Groups are ways to integrate work and overcome the differentiation and discontinuity demanded by the hierarchical stratification of .
The full picture can be seen in the review section. Here is a summary of what will be analysed and explained in the Topics to follow:
| : | 7 Monads (1 Level per Group) divide up implicit or explicit desirable ways to shape evolution in accord with societal principles that embody popular values and beliefs. This clarifies the sort of effort that any member of society with commitment to a particular institution may make. This is the basis for public responsibility for an institution. |
| : | 6 Dyads (2 adjacent Levels per Group) integrate both an overall view and particular justifications in articulating what is important. Good communication enables the public to be receptive to the state of the institution. This is the basis for public understanding of an institution. |
| : | 5 Triads (3 adjacent Levels per Group) integrate the need for persuasion to release drive amongst supporters. Stances in relation to the institution are inherently controversial and need to be coherently developed and consolidated. This is the basis for public divisions in regard to an institution. |
| : | 4 Tetrads (4 adjacent Levels per Group) integrate facts, values and beliefs to produce an overall view of the institution. Views from the most obvious and popular to the most abstract and ideal can be disseminated. This is the basis for public coalescence about an institution. |
| : | 3 Pentads (5 adjacent Levels per Group) integrate inputs from governance, media and academic institutions, and anyone deeply interested when there seems to be momentum for change. This is the basis for public debate about an institution. |
| : | 2 Hexads (6 adjacent Levels per Group) integrate the thinking of the general public and the choices of those working within institutional bodies. This is the basis for public orientation towards an institution. |
| : | 1 Heptad (7 adjacent Levels per Group) integrates all activism, defines the status quo, and produces recommendations which must be taken seriously. This provides the public with a belief in the potential for improvement. This is the basis for public credibility of an institution. |
Summary of Practical Implications
Given the large number of phenomena to be covered, it is well to appreciate in advance the numerous practical implications of this framework. Even in well-established democratic societies, there is only a patchy awareness of what is required for institutions to meet social needs and serve the public interest.
The first four Groupings question the institution and provide the building blocks for improvement:
depends on sufficient members of the public so as to demonstrate the necessary minimum obligations in civic life.
In authoritarian societies, this work is suppressed and activists are oppressed.
reveals that improving any institution depends on the understanding that comes from the public's to activist ideas and efforts.
Authoritarian regimes do not wish members of the public to be exerting pressure independently of the government. In weak democracies, much of this articulation is either watered down, muddied or blocked.
of the public is generated by the either built on existing divisions in society, or sometimes by creating these.
Because this is organised by small committed groups, these documents lead to the disagreement and conflict inherent in pluralistic societies.
to changes must be fostered by coalescence of society's factions around suitable .
The final three Groupings energize the institution and provide the building blocks that power improvement:
of the variety of views, beliefs and relevant values can be enabled through commencing societal conversations in the form of debates.
In authoritarian societies, public arenas (like the streets) are shut and constantly monitored, the media is tightly controlled and parliament is a rubber-stamp for the regime.
must emerge and the new orientation should become evident widely in society if there is an in institutional functioning.
based on relevant existing values and beliefs are used to ensure people will when these are developed via public inquiries commissioned with powers that ensure credibility.
Schema for Exposition of Groupings
In describing each of the Groupings, I will initially explain why it exists in terms of what comes before, and propose formal names for the Grouping and its Groups. Then I will identify:
Function: The unique purpose of the Grouping and hence of each of the Groups.
Quality: The qualifier that characterizes how the function is to be performed in an open society.
Integration within: How the Levels within each Group in the Grouping are bound together. This will not apply to .
Integration across: How all Groups in the Grouping together ensure comprehensiveness in regard to the institution. This will not apply to .
Psychological Correlate: The aspect of personal functioning and personal tensions that the Grouping taps into, requires or activates.
Institutional Tension: The aspect of social functioning or social conflict that the Grouping taps into, requires or activates.
Practical Implications: What people should especially consider and handle for best results.
In to , there is a more detailed Topic, where the internal structure of each Group is formulated.
- Go to the review section to see the full picture in more detail.
- Start with Activism and the Status Quo.
Originally posted: 18-Mar-2024
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