Manchester University Press
10 Roots to social elasticity
Abstract
The chapter unpacks the concept of frame sizing, particularly focusing on the social and psychological underpinnings that enable individuals and groups to expand or contract their inclusionary boundaries. The chapter delves into the natural human tendency towards forming in-groups and out-groups, underscoring the evolutionary benefits of such distinctions. However, it simultaneously challenges the rigidity of these boundaries, highlighting examples of successful and failed frame-resizing efforts across various social contexts. Through a thoughtful exploration of the seven pillars of friendship and the dynamics of kin and pseudo-kin relationships, the chapter illustrates the potential for social groups to stretch their conceptual and emotional boundaries to include a more comprehensive array of members and perspectives. It navigates through the complexities of moral and immoral frame resizing, proposing that the ability to resize our social frames adaptively is crucial for fostering inclusivity, understanding, and cooperation in a diversely interconnected world. The narrative advocates for a nuanced approach to social elasticity, suggesting that individuals and societies can cultivate more inclusive and resilient communities by understanding and leveraging the deep-seated human instincts for group formation and boundary negotiation.
Abstract
The chapter unpacks the concept of frame sizing, particularly focusing on the social and psychological underpinnings that enable individuals and groups to expand or contract their inclusionary boundaries. The chapter delves into the natural human tendency towards forming in-groups and out-groups, underscoring the evolutionary benefits of such distinctions. However, it simultaneously challenges the rigidity of these boundaries, highlighting examples of successful and failed frame-resizing efforts across various social contexts. Through a thoughtful exploration of the seven pillars of friendship and the dynamics of kin and pseudo-kin relationships, the chapter illustrates the potential for social groups to stretch their conceptual and emotional boundaries to include a more comprehensive array of members and perspectives. It navigates through the complexities of moral and immoral frame resizing, proposing that the ability to resize our social frames adaptively is crucial for fostering inclusivity, understanding, and cooperation in a diversely interconnected world. The narrative advocates for a nuanced approach to social elasticity, suggesting that individuals and societies can cultivate more inclusive and resilient communities by understanding and leveraging the deep-seated human instincts for group formation and boundary negotiation.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Introduction 1
- 1 Perspectives on framing 13
- I Making bad seem good – and other frame texturing 31
- Part I – Introduction 32
- 2 Why is our frame smooth and theirs so often rough? 35
- 3 Sanctifying sinners and sinnifying saints 50
- 4 The allure of rough 60
- II Making hot what's not – and other frame tempering 69
- Part II – Introduction 70
- 5 Temperament tricks 73
- 6 How timing is of the essence 96
- 7 Metaphors as frame thermostats 112
- III Making meanings move – frame positioning 127
- Part III – Introduction 128
- 8 Up–down positioning: reading on or between the lines 131
- 9 Sideways positioning: what is the matter? 142
- IV Making boundaries bend – frame sizing 153
- Part IV – Introduction 154
- 10 Roots to social elasticity 157
- 11 Metaframing: from difference to higher sameness 169
- 12 Questions, answers, and discussion 193
- Notes 203
- Select bibliography 229
- Index 238
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Introduction 1
- 1 Perspectives on framing 13
- I Making bad seem good – and other frame texturing 31
- Part I – Introduction 32
- 2 Why is our frame smooth and theirs so often rough? 35
- 3 Sanctifying sinners and sinnifying saints 50
- 4 The allure of rough 60
- II Making hot what's not – and other frame tempering 69
- Part II – Introduction 70
- 5 Temperament tricks 73
- 6 How timing is of the essence 96
- 7 Metaphors as frame thermostats 112
- III Making meanings move – frame positioning 127
- Part III – Introduction 128
- 8 Up–down positioning: reading on or between the lines 131
- 9 Sideways positioning: what is the matter? 142
- IV Making boundaries bend – frame sizing 153
- Part IV – Introduction 154
- 10 Roots to social elasticity 157
- 11 Metaframing: from difference to higher sameness 169
- 12 Questions, answers, and discussion 193
- Notes 203
- Select bibliography 229
- Index 238
