The Dilemma in Political Activity

As usual, if we are to understand dynamics and related problems in political life, then we must identify the duality that energizes and disturbs people. All the cross-level influences of the Groupings of political life 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 whenmobilizing-CG3, authorizing-CG5 and manifesting political will-CG6. 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—maintaining stability-CG7, resolving differences via policies-CG4, political work-CG2, and social responsibility-CG1— we must expect that both poles will naturally and spontaneously fuse or synthesize in the Centre, which is said to be balanced.

Formulae

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• Now apply the integrative/divisive duality to each Level of political life.

Originally posted: August-2009; Last updated: 15-Nov-2010