This book introduces the reader to the concept of functional
synchronization and how it operates on very different levels in
psychological and social systems - from the emergence of thought to the
formation of social relations and the structure of societies.
For years, psychologists have investigated phenomena such as
self-concept, social judgment, social relations, group dynamics, and
cooperation and conflict, but have discussed these phenomena
seoarately.This book shows how synchronization provides a foundational
approach to these otherwise distinct and diverse psychological
processes.This work shows that there is a basic tendency with many
processes to become coordinated and progressively integrated into
increasingly larger units through well-defined processes. For these
larger units, new and largely adaptive functions emerge.
Although synchronization affords progressive integration of system
elements to enable correspondingly higher-order functions, the
trajectory of synchronization is often characterized by periods of
assembly and disassembly of system elements. This occurs when a task is
completed and synchronization is no longer essential so that the
elements once again operate in an independent fashion. It is argued that
the disassembly-resynchronization scenario occurs at all levels of
psychological and social reality. The implications of this approach for
important issues in interpersonal relations and societal processes are
discussed.
