Social Theory
The social theory of a sustainable, collaborative learning society, or Social Theory (ST) for short, provides a framework for realizing sustainable changes that are widely supported in society. The term theory might come across as a collection of ideas not rooted in reality devised by a researcher stationed in an ivory tower, but as Kurt Lewin famously stated: there is nothing as practical as a good theory. ST is grounded in the foundational framework (link), in particular the Expertise Management Methodology (EMM). EMM provides a process for collaboratively understanding complex situations in which stakeholder’s worldviews may differ, even radically.
Geleerde les: Whole and parts
Samenvatting:
The parts must be understood for understanding the whole, but the parts cannot be understood without the context given by the whole, which is made up by its parts.
Context:
Stakeholders' worldviews may differ.
- Samenleving bepaalt gedrag van mensen, en omgekeerd mensen maken de samenleving;
- Dialectische, narratieve benadering om beetje bij beetje een diepgaand inzicht te krijgen in wat er speelt in een bepaalde situatie.
The keywords are understanding and meaning. Before anything else, the goal is to find out collaboratively what is going in a situation and what can be done to improve it as perceived by stakeholders. At this stage, the goal is not to find a solution per se, but understanding each other’s position might already paves the way to an accommodation of worldviews that can be implemented.
Principle: the keyword is understanding. Research approach must be “for you, and with you”, instead of “for you, but not with you”.
With EMM, the insights and expertise of the stakeholders is captured in such a way that it can readily be extended. This allows to build Bodies of Knowledge and Skills (BOKS) systematically that serve as a base for finding improvements in situations that are arguably desirable and culturally feasible. This all amounts to a collaborative learning society. EMM itself is founded on a strong basis, including systems thinking, ethics of care, and Luhmann’s social theory.
EMM, however, cannot guarantee that accommodation of worldviews will happen, nor can it ensure that changes will last. ST comes to rescue here. The key idea is to steer on cultural identity: who are we, and what do we do? EMM is instrumental in finding mutual understanding, but it takes a process of reflection to find shared meaning based on our understandings. The shared meaning thus established steers a governance process leading to an assessment framework to frame solution directions. Of course, not everyone will agree with proposed solutions – e.g., the not in my backyard syndrome is famous for that– but whatever decision taken, the assessment framework that guides decision making is grounded in mutual understanding and shared meaning.
Principle: a constructive dialog can take place on the basis of first and second order boundary judgments.
Essentially, the ST induces a transition in society from focusing on verification – are we doing things right? – to validation – are we doing the right things collectively? So, the transition is not primarily about addressing wicked problems like climate change or social injustice, but it is really a kind of meta-transition changing our attitudes and developing our skills to cope with wicked problems and to use the same wicked problems as a vehicle to make that transition. This is not an easy transition because it has to be done with all involved in a problematic situation and it presupposes trusting each other. The latter cannot be enforced, but the engagement of stakeholders in EMM processes of mutual understanding makes trust possible. But as will become clear, every step taken in the transition process is already an improvement because of the undercurrent of mutual understanding and shared meaning.
Principle: the relationship between things, including humans, is what matters. Something or someone cannot stand or be taken on its own.
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