Two Kinds of Change

We can identify two sorts of change, as piecemeal or systemic. Piecemeal change means tinkering, working on a piece with the hope/expectation that this will change the whole, an idea borne of a basic mechanical notion that social systems are like mechanical systems such as clocks or automobiles. The idea is that each component identified as needed to be “fixed” can be, without huge disruptions. This often fails to work, because people get used to how things are done, and will consciously or unconsciously revert back to the old way of doing things. Instead, we should consider a systemic perspective, requiring a broad, long term view of the system, its problems, and how it works internally and connects externally. An overwhelming and revolutionary task, systemic change can frighten people in the system. Yet though slow and painful, it can be a highly effective process.