LC 00233

We live in a complex world that seems to become even more complex due to man-made and natural, large-scale disruptions such as globalization, climate change and robotization. There are no easy answers to handle this complexity. The root causes are often not well understood, let alone that it is easy to find ways to make progress when it is not clear in what direction people should be heading. These large-scale disruptions are beyond the control of ordinary citizens, yet they do interfere with the mundane challenges found in local communities, such as independent living for elderly people, loneliness, and local climate change countermeasures; all of which are complex challenges in their own right. We have no other option but to adapt to new circumstances. Because no one has a monopoly on wisdom and we cannot assume that a single person can steer us away from the cliffs, we have to find ways to address challenges collectively. And although the challenges we face may be global, we can face them by starting out locally with relatively small initiatives, which can then evolve into larger movements. In order to do so, we have to reconstruct shared meaning to agree on the direction we should take. In retrospect, not every initiative and/or direction taken will prove to be right. But ‘mistakes’ are also something to learn from. The point is, we got to move.

Narrative approach

One way of helping us move, is sharing stories. This narrative approach helps us to pass on what we value in society and to come closer to understanding each other’s point of view. It provides the means to continuously discuss and establish shared meaning and a common purpose, and act more as a community. Of course, our understanding of society will change over time, due to changing circumstances. That is, new stories will be added, and some will be abandoned if they no longer represent the way we think about society. In addition, by appreciative listening to the stories people tell, they feel acknowledged in the way they are. This is a necessary precondition to engage people in addressing challenges. Furthermore, stories give meaning to abstract concepts by putting them in context, so that others understand what is meant by someone’s interpretation of a concept instead of assuming that we all have the same understanding. This way of using narratives results in a deep understanding of the origins of beliefs and assumptions each individual holds. Put differently: by knowing, valuing and appreciating each other’s stories, the room for movement expands and the possibility to actually move in a direction agreed upon is maximized.

Organizing solidarity

Global corporations and faraway nations seem to govern our lives. At the same time, we have become more individualistic ánd become more dependent on the community. Therefore, the question arises: since we have become more and more interdependent, how do we organize solidarity? How do we organize a process involving all citizens, businesses and institutions that lets us move into a direction that is arguably desirable and culturally feasible? This question is difficult to answer because of its many-sided facets. A first observation is that we have to address solidarity from the relational practices angle and the different sorts of ties that bind us all (i.e., ‘who are we and what do we do?’). This requires a deep understanding of different solidarities at work at different places and the beliefs and the concerns of all people who are faced with particular challenges. A second observation is that all parties concerned must collaborate, thereby recognizing that each individual has their own role to play and the principles that go with that role. The roles and principles individuals have, are not always in concord. Talking things through will often lead to understanding, but not necessarily to agreement. In practice, people will clash. We should, therefore, engage in a fruitful dialogue, see how solidarities are enacted and avoid a premature closure of debate in all circumstances. It is a process permanently in the making.