Constructors

Under construction

Constructors form part of the triad of ACTANTS. Actants consist of actors, constructors and constraints. Actant framing is useful in the broader field of complexity, of which Estuarine Mapping is a part, because it helps us identify the elements that are present in the system, as well as their interactions.

Constructors exist in the system and enable local transformations with a high degree of consistency. Their other key characteristic is that they transform, without themselves changing in the process of transformation. This does not preclude their gradual evolution over time, although even in that slower evolution they are likely to retain continuity of identity.

Constructors can both be destroyed and created. Their identification, as well as their creation, are often desirable because they offer us points of stability that can be monitored – although there is no way to predict what will happen after the output of a constructor starts interacting with other elements in a complex system, the output itself is, to a degree, predictable. The creation of constructors can also range from the more "natural" to the more "planned" or "artificial" depending on the identification of consistent transformations that might already be happening in the system and their strengthening (on one end) and the attempt to deliberately create them in another. The use of a typology can help us identify constructors that we were previously not aware of by drawing attention to them.

Constructor Typology

CONSTRUCTOR: PASSAGE This type of constructor changes something as it passes through the constructor – like rituals and processes. For example, the ritual of a graduation ceremony transforms a student into a professional by taking them through a series of practices.

CONSTRUCTOR: CONTAGION This type of constructor changes things by influencing or affecting them, like a virus. An example is a spreading fashion that provokes transformation through copying and imitation.

CONSTRUCTOR: PRESENCE This type of constructor transforms other elements by its presence alone eg. the appearance of senior executive in a meeting of subordinate staff can change the whole atmospere, or the presence of a woman in a typically male environment.

Examples of Constructors

The idea of constructors is sometimes more difficul to grasp at first. if needed, we can use examples, and that can be expanded into this extended list:

• Catalyst: Something which triggers and accelerates a change without itself undergoing significant change
• Process: A defined pathway which can be measured and for which compliance can be enforced
• Ritual: “The process whereby some behaviour became progressively modified and specialised for its communicative function” More details can be found here
• Habit: In this context, more “Liberating force” than a “rut we get stuck in” - explored here and in three blog posts starting here
• Custom & practice: The way we’ve always done things, more fully elaborated here
• Machine: Used here in the sense of something designed for a purpose.
• Artefact: All machines are artefacts, but I am using it here in the sense of material engagement theory with the idea that there is some agency involved
• Rules: Although they might be seen as a restraint, rules are a form of formalised habit, defined as a liberating force per the above.
• Collage: The elements of a collage have meaning in their own right, but when they are put together, there is a whole new level of meaning.
• Mosaic: Here, the components have no particular meaning per se, but when assembled by a skilled artisan, they create a work of art.

Background Reading

• https://www.constructortheory.org/
• Constructor theory page in this wiki

Method card material

This material will be extracted for the method cards

Front page description

PASSAGE | CONTAGION | PRESENCE

Back of card summary

Constructors exist in the system and enable local transformations with a high degree of consistency. Their other key characteristic is that they transform, without themselves changing in the process of transformation. Ritual is one example, a formal process another

Method Properties - Ratings

Represented by symbols - interpretation/voting scales are:

COST & RESOURCES: How resource-intensive is the Method in terms of materials and tools required, and thus costs?

1. Requires only common office equipment (eg paper and pens)
2. Requires simple facilitation materials (special hexies, printouts, whiteboards etc)
3. Requires some inexpensive but specific tools and materials
4. Requires moderate investment in tools or software to apply
5. Requires significant investment in software or other specialist tools

COMPLEX FACILITATION SKILL: How much training and skill in complex facilitation does the Method require?

1. No complex facilitation experience is required
2. Some complex facilitation experience needed - practice in a safe space
3. Should be mentored while developing complex facilitation skill
4. Requires Mentoring until proven, familiarity with theory critical
5. Advanced, requires deep knowledge of theory and experience

ENGAGEMENT GRADIENT: How challenging is engagement of participants into the Method likely to be?

1. Ad hoc technique - can be used in multiple contexts with relative ease
2. Requires time commitment but overall, engaging and not difficult to achieve
3. Mild uncertainty or discomfort, may need work to keep people engaged
4. Indirect/ambiguous method, requires engagement through sustained levels of uncertainty
5. Challenging method – may incur resistance if people expect a more traditional approach