Luhmann's theory of society

From Geography

Subsystem

Regarding this theory (Gren & Zierhoffer, 2002) the modern society has been divided into serveral subsystem. These subsystems operates on the base of functional differentiation. Each subsystem has an internal code which is often based on binary distinction. With the binary code it is possible to see the main distinction on which a subssytem works on. Furthermore, a subssystem consists of a program, operation and medium.

Programs set the context of the application of the code. Programs open the system to the world and they establish links between the various specialised subsystems. However, programs can change over the time, while codes are quite stable. Both programs and codes sets the possibility of observation of a system.

Operation is the communication process within the sub system. This is the autopoietic process, the ulitmate communication which sets the system.

With medium it is meant the way of communication used in an operation within a subssytem. For example in the subssystem Economy, money is the medium of communication within the operation Payment.

Functional differentiation within theory of society

Within Luhmann's theory of society the aspect of functional differentiation plays a important role. The capacity of a society to deal and to solve its problems depends on the functional differentiation. Within the society there is no position which is representative for the whole society. All problems need to be split and translated into issues that a certain system can handle. For example: within the subsystem of Economy, this susbsystem can only deal and tackle problems as it is translated to its binary code (having money or not having money, economics benefit or economic costs). If not, the system will see these problems as 'noise' and they will be refained from such operations. On the other hand the functional diffferentiation does not determine the subsystems of a society to a rigide and static existence. On the contrary, the programs and codes are dynamic. They can be replaced by new ones. New systems can differentiate themselves while other systems may merge.

References

• Gren, M. & Zierhofer, W. (2003). The unity of difference: a critical appraisal of Niklas Luhmann's theory of social system in the context of corperaity and spatiality. In: Environment & Planning A. Vol. 35. pp. 615-630.

Contributors

• Page created by--HennyLi 17:18, 20 October 2012 (CEST)