When people observe patterns or structures in the world, they tend to
assume that patterns are created either by lead or by seed... Seeing the
world in terms of decentralized interactions is a difficult shift for many
people. It requires a fundamental shift in perspective, a new way of
looking at the world.
Wertsch goes on to discuss this issue of decentralization in terms of
arguing for multi-faceted analyses--hence the connection to Burke.
But what I was wondering is if this notion of decentralization might help
me understand why Lave and Wenger argue that it is a misunderstanding to
oppose the separate terms in legitimate peripheral participation. If
social groups are not characterized by centralization, then everything and
everyone is peripheral or partial? Maybe this goes some way to
understanding the resolution of the antinomies problem too?
I'm interested in what others made of this decentralization notion and if
there are other authors writing about social action in these ways, I'd
really appreciate some references.
Thanks in advance.
K
Kelleen Toohey, Associate Professor
Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
ph. 604-291-4418 FAX 604-888-4623