Interstructure

Interstructure: the Tapestry of complex societies

At Liminal School we delve into the intricate concept of "Interstructure"—the collective noun encompassing the totality of a complex society's built environment, institutions, beliefs, and practices, along with the interrelationships that weave them into a dynamic tapestry. Join us in exploring the essence of Interstructure and the nuanced differences between the Capitalist and Post-Capitalist epochs.

What is Interstructure?

Interstructure is the comprehensive framework that encapsulates the multifaceted elements shaping a society. It goes beyond physical infrastructure like roads, railways and communication networks to encompass the institutions, ideologies, cultural practices, and the intricate web of connections between them. At Liminal School, we recognize that the study of Interstructure is crucial for understanding the complex interplay of forces that define the evolution of societies.

Examples of Interstructure in Complex Societies

• Economic Systems: The economic interstructure encompasses institutions such as financial markets, banking systems, and regulatory frameworks. These institutions interconnect with cultural beliefs about wealth, practices of trade, and the built environment that includes commercial spaces and industrial complexes.

• Educational Systems: The educational interstructure comprises schools, universities, and educational policies. It is intertwined with cultural values around knowledge, practices of teaching and learning, and the physical spaces dedicated to education.

• Political Systems: The political interstructure involves governmental institutions, legal frameworks, and political ideologies. These elements are interconnected with cultural beliefs about governance, civic practices, and the physical structures that house political activities.

• Technological Landscape: The technological interstructure includes the digital infrastructure, technological institutions, and the beliefs and practices surrounding innovation. It shapes cultural attitudes toward technology and influences the physical environment through the presence of technological hubs and communication networks.

• Cultural Frameworks: The cultural interstructure encompasses belief systems, societal norms, and cultural practices. It is intertwined with institutional structures that uphold cultural values, influence education, and manifest in physical spaces such as museums, theaters, and religious institutions. Culture has its origins in fundamental questions like:

  1. 1. How did we get here?

     2. What happens when we die?

     3. What's the purpose of life?

     4. How then should we live?

Differences Between Capitalist and Post-Capitalist Interstructure

At Liminal School, we believe we are in a Time Between Worlds. The capitalist interstructure is reaching the end of its natural existence and a post capitalist interstructure is emerging. This is a natural evolution of the cycle of civilizations.

• Capitalist Interstructure

  • Economic Emphasis: Capitalist interstructure prioritizes market-driven economic systems, with a focus on private ownership and profit motives.

  • Individualism: Institutions and practices in capitalist interstructure often emphasize individual success and competition.

• Post-Capitalist Interstructure

  • Economic Evolution: Post-Capitalist interstructure envisions evolved economic systems that may include elements of cooperation, sustainable practices, and shared ownership.

  • Collectivism: There is an emphasis on collective well-being, community, and environmental sustainability in the post-capitalist interstructure.

• Social Structures

  • Inequality in Capitalism: Capitalist interstructure may perpetuate social inequalities, with power and resources concentrated in certain segments of society.

  • Social Justice in Post-Capitalism: Post-capitalist interstructure aims to address social injustices, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

• Innovation and Technology

  • Profit-Driven Innovation in Capitalism: Capitalist interstructure often emphasizes technological advancements driven by profit motives.

  • Sustainable Innovation in Post-Capitalism: Post-capitalist interstructure encourages innovation aligned with ecological sustainability and societal well-being.

• Environmental Considerations

  • Resource Exploitation in Capitalism: Capitalist interstructure involves practices that exploit natural resources for economic gain.

  • Sustainable Practices in Post-Capitalism: Post-capitalist interstructure integrates environmental considerations, promoting sustainable practices and ecological harmony.

 For a comparison table of see Capitalist and Post Capitalist Interstructures.

Why Explore Interstructure During the Time Between Worlds?

• Holistic Understanding: Liminal School provides a platform for a holistic understanding of interstructure, recognizing its role in shaping the complex dynamics of societies.

• Systems Thinking: Our curriculum incorporates systems thinking to analyze the interconnectedness of various elements within interstructure, fostering a comprehensive perspective.

• Ethical Exploration: The study of interstructure at Liminal School includes a focus on ethical considerations, encouraging individuals to critically engage with the values embedded in societal structures.

• Foresight Scenario Building: Liminal School engages in foresight scenario building, preparing students to envision potential future interstructures and actively contribute to shaping societal trajectories.

• Collective Wisdom: Students at Liminal School contribute to the exploration of interstructure, drawing on the collective wisdom of diverse perspectives to gain a nuanced understanding of societal evolution.

Join Us in Exploring Interstructure in a Time Between Worlds

Are you ready to unravel the complexity of societal structures and explore the interplay of institutions, beliefs, and practices? Join us at Liminal School, where the study of interstructure is not just an academic pursuit but a journey into the heart of societal evolution. Welcome to the exploration of interstructure at Liminal School, where the intricate threads of society come to life.