Technologies of (in)security: Masculinity and the complexity of neoliberalism

2021 ◽  
pp. 146470012110463
Author(s):  
Steve Garlick
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Judith Butler ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Complex Systems Theory ◽  
William Connolly ◽  
Critical Account ◽  
Men And Masculinities ◽  
Feminist Work

Although there is much feminist work that has examined the intersection of gender and neoliberalism, critical work on men and masculinities remains underdeveloped in this area. This article suggests that complexity theory is a crucial resource for a critical analysis of the ways in which masculinities contribute to the ongoing maintenance of neoliberal socio-economic systems. Critical work on neoliberalism and capitalist economics has recently been drawn to complex systems theory, as evidenced by the work of scholars such as Sylvia Walby, William Connolly and Brian Massumi. Their work produces important insights into neoliberalism, but does not develop a sustained reflection on the place of men and masculinities in this domain. In order to develop a critical account of the relation of masculinity to complexity, the article draws on the work of Judith Butler and Bonnie Mann. It suggests that Butler’s theorising on precariousness contains important resources for understanding how hegemonic masculinities are positioned in relation to the complexity of neoliberal systems, as illustrated in Mann’s concept of ‘sovereign masculinity’. Finally, drawing on two different examples of the enactment of masculinities in neoliberal contexts, the article argues that hegemonic forms of masculinity can be understood as technologies for the amelioration of the complexities and insecurities generated by neoliberal markets.

scholarly journals Inovação em processos: uma empresa metalmecânica analisada sob a ótica da teoria dos sistemas e da teoria da complexidadeInnovation in processes: A metalworking company analyzed from the perspective of systems theory and complexity theory

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
João Carlos Parcianello ◽  
Marcos Paulo Dhein Griebeler
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complexity Theory

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a inovação em processos na empresa metalmecânica denominada Fábrica de Secadores, Classificadores e Elevadores Ltda. (FASCE). A empresa e suas inovações em processo foram analisadas por intermédio da teoria dos sistemas e da teoria da complexidade, denominadas simplesmente por sistemas abertos complexos, expostas inicialmente no referencial teórico. A ênfase dada ao tratamento da informação, principalmente por meio de um gatekeeper, potencializa o desenvolvimento de inovações em processo na empresa. O entendimento de que as partes do sistema se relacionam entre si, com o próprio sistema e este com outros sistemas – sistema aberto – desvenda uma série de interações complexas, as quais permitem a sobrevivência e o desenvolvimento da empresa, da mesma maneira que um sistema vivo. As inovações em processo na empresa FASCE propiciam um eficiente desenvolvimento empresarial, pois auxiliam a torná-la competitiva.

The Meaning of System

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steen Leleur
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Theoretical Interest ◽  
Core Concept ◽  
The Core ◽  
Systems Practice ◽  
Actual Meaning ◽  
Current Systems ◽  
Real World Problems

This article reviews the generic meaning of ‘system’ and complements more conventional system notions with a system perception based on recent complexity theory. With system as the core concept of systems theory, its actual meaning is not just of theoretical interest but is highly relevant also for systems practice. It is argued that complexity theory and thinking with reference to Luhmann a.o. ought to be recognised and paid attention to by the systems community. Overall, it is found that a complexity orientation may contribute to extend and enrich the explanatory power of current systems theory when used to complex real-world problems. As regards systems practice it is found that selective use and combination of five presented research approaches (functionalist, interpretive, emancipatory, postmodern and complexity) which function as different but complementing ‘epistemic lenses’ in a process described as constructive circularity, may strengthen the exploration and learning efforts in systems-based intervention.

Revisiting the Community of Philosophical Inquiry through the Lens of Arendt and Butler

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Rika Tsuji ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Hannah Arendt ◽  
Judith Butler ◽  
Critical Reading ◽  
Philosophical Inquiry

The purpose of this paper is to reimagine philosophy programs in schools, such as philosophy for/with children, through a critical analysis of the work of Hannah Arendt and Judith Butler, especially in light of their understanding of the space of appearance and plurality. ​Drawing on a critical reading of Hannah Arendt along with Butler’s critique, I argue that during the enactment of the community of philosophical inquiry (CPI), the classroom becomes a space of appearance through the collective willingness of those present to be exposed to and recognize unknown others and matters in the condition of plurality. I begin by summarizing Arendt’s notions of the space of appearance and plurality. Next, I introduce Butler’s critique and reading of Arendt to focus on sociopolitical aspects of the space of appearance. Finally, I synthesize both Arendt’s and Butler’s analyses to show the phenomenological and sociopolitical aspects of the CPI.

scholarly journals An Assistance to Project Risk Management Based on Complex Systems Theory and Agile Project Management

Complexity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Franck Marle
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Project Risk Management ◽  
Project Risk ◽  
Complex Systems Theory ◽  
Agile Project Management ◽  
First Results ◽  
Complex Project

Project Risk Management is crucial in determining the future performance of a complex project. Increasing project complexity makes it more and more difficult to anticipate potential events that could affect the project and to make effective decisions to reduce project risk exposure. To tackle these conceptual and managerial issues, the proposed approach introduces Complex Systems Theory-based improvements into some PRM subprocesses and runs the global PRM process using Agile Project Management principles. We argue that these advanced techniques for managing project risk complexity, notably risk interdependencies, are coherent with the distributed, self-organized nature of agile teams. This new way of structuring and executing Project Risk Management offers the possibility to make decisions more frequently, when needed, with a more distributed authority, and with richer information about anticipation of events and consequences of actions. First results show an appropriation of this combined approach by project members due to agile principles that allows for getting the more reliable information promised by Complex Systems Theory.

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