3 Comments

In organizations, this is called system theory by Niklas Luhmann. I've seen a great comical explanation of the concept here (content in German): https://meeting-time.de/wie-funktioniert-systemische-organisationsentwicklung/

The explanation of how it can change goes into your thought "counternarratives" - but your baby niece basically did the first part of it: calling on the system (or ambient narrative) at work by saying out loud that there is another baby and that she is confused by this narrative.

The key to change it lies in observing the mechanics and understanding the tradeoffs and caveats of their costs vs their benefits:

An example: you are still the baby has the benefit of everybody in the family knowing exactly who is being referenced at the cost of the confusion of your niece's and your self-understanding.

Expand full comment

this was a great newsletter. and what's really impressive is that it was written by a baby.

Expand full comment

I’ve never thought of this as a concept—wonderful insight as always, Micaela

Expand full comment