sociodynamic effect

[Adam Blatner]

Dear Ed and all,
    I confess my density, my ignorance. I fear I only understand part of this noble quote 
of Moreno's:
         "The discovery that human society has an actual, dynamic, central structure 
underlying and determining all its peripheral and formal groupings may one day be 
considered as the cornerstone of all social science.  This central structure - once it has 
been identified - is  either found or discernible in every form of human society, from the 
most primitive to the most civilized: it is in the genesis of every type of society.  In 
addition, it exerts a determining influence upon every sphere in which the factor of human 
interrelations is an active agent - in economics, biology, social pathology, politics, 
government and similar spheres of social action."
             AB: I agree in general, and of course he's talking about telic relations, 
which I think deserves to continue to be explored and better understood.
I fail so far to appreciate yet how this insight can be converted into reliable and 
do-able methods. His sociometric approach so far requires a great deal of warming-up and 
readiness of a group. (I'm reminded of some early scientific studies that required 
elaborate preparations, though in later years other methods were developed that could make 
the process easier.)
          So I await more specific suggestions and papers.  I'm happy to report that I 
hear that our journal may well re-commence, though I don't know when or how that will 
happen.

     Ed also notes the following: Sociodynamic Effect (SDE) moves resources from the whole 
to the few -  at the expense of the world and many.
 Again, the rich tend to grow richer, the poor poorer, economically, socially, etc.
      What isn't clear is what should be done about this. A number of obvious sociometric 
corollaries exist:
 1. Brighter and more social people tend to attract more friends. The opposite is also 
true.
     a. People with a wider role repertoire versus people with narrower role repertoires.
       b. People who are perceived to be vehicles for power attract "aristo-tele," or 
others wanting to be associated so as to partake of the fame, fortune and other benefits 
of that power, celebrity, etc.

   2. Popular people tend to arrange things to serve the benefits of their own group.
              Powerful people tend to be people who have at least been moderately popular 
or liked by those who have helped them to come into more power, such as the cardinal who 
promotes the priest into a bishopric.  "Team Players,"  loyal people, and sycophants may 
be promoted as often (or in some cases even more often) than on the basis of merit. Let us 
not forget simony, the sin of paying for an office, giving kickbacks, greasing the palms 
of those concerned, etc.

     3. Ed notes that Social Organic Unity is what underlies the SDE  - our connection to 
the Godhead that emerges within us, in our work, in groups.
 AB: Is this so, and if so, it seems to contradict the SDE!  Undoubtedly I lack 
understanding of the connection here and am open to instruction.

            Warmly, Adam