Indeed this is the problem - it is "relatively" easy to identify systems,
but the work of deciding where the boundaries are, for me, is the trick,
primarily because the historical character of our existence tends to
entangle much of the analysis.
Deleuze & Guattari's "rhizome" metaphor fairly well describes the networks
which connect such (activity) systems; but by the same token, the infinite
relations
mean that the researcher must - *in*variably - choose the boundaries.
Articulating a rationale for those boundaries is supremely difficult, I find.
but by GOLLY what a good discussion this!
diane
"Every tool is a weapon if you hold it right." Ani Difranco
*********************************************
diane celia hodges
faculty of education, centre for the study of curriculum and
instruction,
university of british columbia
vancouver, bc canada
snailmail: 3519 Hull Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5N 4R8