An Argument for Complementarism

Abstract

In this part of the book, some unresolved theoretical and methodological issues are surfaced and discussed. The present chapter argues the case for complementarism in systems thinking against three possible alternative futures that might be followed in the discipline, those being labeled “isolationism,” “imperialism,” and “pragmatism.” Chapter 11 concerns itself with how complementarism can be turned into a set of methodological recommendations that can be followed by those who wish to use a complementarist and critical systems approach in practice. The methodology recommended is called total systems intervention, or TSI. This is an approach to combining systems methods that promotes creativity, guides the choice of appropriate methodologies, and ensures effective implementation.