The cybernetics of social change – and history

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to show how basic cybernetics principles of the interaction of two or more goal‐oriented systems determine the possibilities of social change – and of history.Design/methodology/approachThe starting‐point is the assumption of a social unit organized in two levels in which leaders and subordinated members share mutual goal‐values. As sources for differentiation within this unit diverging individual strivings and questions of leadership (i.e. defining goals, internal and external policy) are identified.FindingsThese sources for differentiation suffice to explain the emergence of individual, political and economic conflicts, as well as the necessary emergence of a multilevel hierarchical organization of society in order to deal with these conflicts. The options of how to deal with these conflicts are analyzed in detail.Practical implicationsTo avoid the emergence of a proletariat, i.e. a fraction of a society whose interests are neither represented nor pursued by its leaders, is identified as crucial for the long‐term stability of a social unit.Originality/valueThe paper shows how a few cybernetic principles – primarily the cybernetics of decision making and Ashby's law – can explain complex social phenomena. Thus, it shows the applicability of elements of a cybernetic epistemology.