Symbolic Competition in the Mediterranean

commentators rather heavily influenced by the actors' point of view. My chief inspiration has been Gregory Bateson's schismogenesis model (Bateson 1935), which he actually applied to the dangerous situation in Europe at the time of writing. But my argument may also be considered as a further development of the theme symbolic competition among actors who are united by overarching values (Brox 1986). The general model that I suggest needs replacing is the well-known, simple one of effective feedback, that reflects so much actual interaction between groups and individuals: Normally people's behaviour towards each other is modified through sanctions. Kids misbehave, get slapped or reproached, and try to avoid such punishment by modifying their behaviour. Neighbours trespass, receive subtle signals, and mend their ways. Sometimes the modifications go the other way: Parents may have to accept 'misbehaviour' when it is repeated, and sanctions are ineffective, so that their standards are adapted and harmony restored. In such cases, feedback between actors is effective, conflicts are managed, and their levels kept within controllable limits

Argument (complex analysis · Competition (biology · Computer security · Harmony (color · Law and economics · Political science · Punishment (psychology · Sanctions · Sociology · Trespass · African history and culture analysis · Computer Science · Ecology · Law · Psychology · Social Psychology

• Schismogenesis in the Wilderness

  Ottar Brox•Ethnos•2000

  Add to list