Resilience Reconfiguration Theory
July, 2024
RECONFIGURATIONISM
Resilience Reconfiguration Theory (RRT)
(A Sociological Theory)
Joseph E. Timothy
Department of Sociology, Lagos State University
Lagos, Nigeria
josephsttimothy@gmail.com; linkedin.com/in/joseph-timothy-297a962a7; +2348167876967
ABSTRACT
Resilience Reconfiguration Theory posits that society operates as a self-adaptive system that
perpetually adjusts to ensure its survival and preservation in the face of changing dynamics.
This theory emphasizes adaptability through flexible approaches rather than through direct
confrontation, viewing societal reconfiguration as an adaptation to both favorable and
unfavorable changes. Reconfigurationism acknowledges the roles of institutions and class,
although its emphases is on micro-level adaptive adjustments made by individual members of
society that occur either spontaneously or systematically in reaction to everyday shifts in
circumstances. According to this theory, modern societies no longer feel a compulsion to
adhere to traditional value system, defined institutions, and traditions. Instead, they have
developed a form of resilience singularly aimed towards the thriving of society, irrespective
of individual bias, that enables them to adjust these established systems to changing modern
dynamics without causing significant social shifts. This adaptability ensures that societies
thrive despite facing challenges that would have previously led to their collapse. The theory
outlines three types of reconfiguration: Micro Reconfiguration, which involves minor,
everyday adjustments; Adaptive Reconfiguration, which refers to more significant
adjustments in response to substantial changes; and Reconfiguration and Institutional
Dysfunction, which examines how societies adapt in the face of failing institutions. Through
these mechanisms, Resilience Reconfiguration Theory illustrates how modern societies
maintain stability and continuity in the face of continuous change.
Keywords: Reconfigurationism; Adaptive Systems; Societal Adjustment; Micro
Reconfiguration; Institutional Dysfunction; Social Resilience; Societal Stability.
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I. INTRODUCTION
This paper seeks to contribute to the evolving field of Sociology by introducing
Resilience Reconfiguration Theory, a new framework that addresses the dynamic and
adaptive nature of modern societies. Since the emergence of Feminist Theory in the
1970s, which significantly reshaped sociological discourse, there has been no new
theoretical paradigm that stands alongside the established major sociological theories:
Structural Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism, and Conflict Theory. Each of
these theories offers a distinct perspective on social structures and processes.
Structural Functionalism views society as a complex system whose parts work
together to promote solidarity and stability. Symbolic Interactionism focuses on the
meanings and interpretations that individuals derive from social interactions. Conflict
Theory, on the other hand, emphasizes the power dynamics and inequalities that drive
societal change.
Resilience Reconfiguration Theory builds on these foundational theories by
proposing that society is not just a functional system divided by warring classes that
generally have common interpretations for elements in their sphere, but it is as well an
adaptive system that continually adjusts to accommodate new dynamics, regardless of
whether the dynamic is favorable or unfavorable, positive or negative. While
institutions are crucial to society, providing support to the pillars that make up society,
this theory posits that society has adjusted its survival mechanisms to function even
when
institutions malfunction,
these mechanisms
have
adapted
to
make
confrontations a last resort, thus using rather flexible options to find equilibrium. By
focusing on the adaptability and resilience of modern societies, this theory offers a
new lens through which to understand how societies maintain stability and continuity
amid constant change.
The introduction of Resilience Reconfiguration Theory is crucial in filling a gap in
sociological knowledge, providing a framework that reflects the complexities of
contemporary social life. In contrast to the rigidity of traditional social rules and
values, this theory highlights the malleability and resilience of modern societies,
demonstrating how they thrive despite challenges that would have previously shaken
them to their foundation. Through this new theoretical lens, we can better understand
the mechanisms of societal adaptation and the continuous reconfiguration that
characterizes the social world today.
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II. THEORY/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Building on Structural Functionalism
Structural Functionalism, as articulated by Talcott Parsons and Robert K. Merton,
views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain a
state of balance and social equilibrium (Parsons, 1951; Merton, 1968). Resilience
Reconfiguration Theory acknowledges this systemic view but extends it by
emphasizing the adaptability of these parts. While Structural Functionalism focuses
on the stability and functions of societal institutions, Resilience Reconfiguration
Theory highlights how these institutions and their accompanying societal components
are continuously faced with challenges that sometimes make them function better or
less. To ensure its survival, society must find the least perilous way to circumvent
such malfunctioning. This adaptation is not static but an ongoing process of
reconfiguration at the micro level, responding to both minor and major shifts in the
social environment. For instance, religion, by and large, no longer plays a significant
role in European politics. In the absence of the leadership role of the church,
European societies have adapted their governance to reflect the will of the people
without needing the moral or spiritual guidance of the catholic church. In African
countries like Nigeria, government lag significantly in their role of service but the
people nonetheless have learned to thrive amid varying institutional dysfunction, by
finding innovative alternatives to their everyday social issues.
Integrating Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic Interactionism, pioneered by George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer,
emphasizes the importance of symbols and meanings in social interactions (Mead,
1934; Blumer, 1969). Resilience Reconfiguration Theory incorporates this perspective
by recognizing that the meanings and interpretations individuals and groups assign to
their experiences play a crucial role in how society adapts and reconfigures itself. The
theory posits that these interpretations are not fixed but evolve in response to
changing circumstances and new experiences, influencing how individuals and groups
react and adapt. This aligns with Erving Goffman's concept of the dramaturgical
approach, where social life is seen as a series of performances in which individuals
constantly adjust their roles based on the situation (Goffman, 1959). For instance,
gender is no longer binary; it has taken up a new meaning that the world is gradually
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reconfiguring to, the they/them gender neutral pronouns are becoming prominent.
There are hardly any documents that are recognized by the international society that
are limited to just the male and female gender, options include but are not limited to
the following: genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, bigender, etc. A clear indication of
society’s adjustment to the changing symbols of gender.
Addressing Conflict Theory
Conflict Theory, advanced by Karl Marx and further developed by theorists such as
Max Weber and C. Wright Mills, focuses on the struggles between different social
classes and the power dynamics that shape society (Marx, 1848; Weber, 1922; Mills,
1956). Resilience Reconfiguration Theory acknowledges the existence of social
conflicts and power struggles but shifts the focus to how these conflicts no longer
contribute to total breakdown of social structures; while Marxism and Leninism had
influences on the breakout of the first and second world war, and such conflicts
among classes led to the French and other notable revolutions in the 18th, 19th and
early 20th centuries, RRT recognizes that human societies now see such breakdowns
to be more detrimental to social progress than they are advantageous. Therefore,
issues that might result in such major breakdowns are resolved quickly through
flexible approaches before they can lead to a serious tear in the fabric of society.
Reconfigurationism emphasizes how these struggles and imbalances lead to
continuous reconfiguration, adjustments by opposing parties, that enhance societal
survival rather than view these conflicts, class struggles and power imbalances as a
reason to pull it all down and rebuild again. It posits that modern societies have
learned to navigate and mitigate conflicts in ways that promote adaptability and
prevent systemic collapse. There have been outcry for the abolition of the British
monarchy in pockets of places in the United Kingdom in recent times, however, such
events that resulted in the death of the royal family of Russia in the early 20th century
are unlikely to happen today. Four American presidents have been shot in the last 160
years, former president and presidential candidate, Donald Trump survived an
assassination attempt a few weeks ago. However, despite the many debates on gun
rights, none of these events have led to a major clampdown on civilian ownership of
guns, an indication that the American society will rather configure itself to its chosen
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dynamic, regardless of the threats it poses to public safety, than risk creating a major
problem by denying the American people their rights to protect themselves.
Incorporating Institutional Analysis
Institutional theory, which explores how institutions shape social behavior and
maintain social order, is also relevant to Resilience Reconfiguration Theory. John W.
Meyer and Brian Rowan's work on institutional isomorphism highlights how
institutions adapt to achieve legitimacy and efficiency in changing environments
(Meyer & Rowan, 1977). Resilience Reconfiguration Theory builds on this by
suggesting that institutions not only adapt to achieve legitimacy but also to show
resilience and determination for its continuity. This reconfiguration involves both
formal changes in institutional structures and informal adjustments in social practices,
reflecting an ongoing process of adaptation to new challenges and opportunities.
Categories of Reconfigurationism:
1. Micro-Level Reconfigurationism
The concept of micro-level reconfiguration is central to Resilience Reconfiguration
Theory. This concept aligns with the work of Anthony Giddens on structuration
theory, which emphasizes the duality of structure, where social structures are both
constituted by human agency and simultaneously shape that agency (Giddens, 1984).
Resilience Reconfiguration Theory posits that micro-level reconfiguration are the
mechanisms through which individuals and small groups enact agency to adapt to
changing circumstances, thereby continuously reshaping social structures. This
perspective underscores the importance of everyday actions and interactions in
maintaining societal resilience. Humans are the structures that make up society, every
adaption that holds in society begins first with individuals. In societies where
institutions are not functioning as expected, individuals have learned to use
alternatives agencies to fill such gaps. Consumer behaviours such as income effect,
substitution effect, and budget constraints are clear examples of micro-level
reconfigurations, where adjustments are made by individuals to adapt to rising
inflation in their society.
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2. Adaptive Reconfigurationism
Adaptive reconfiguration, another key aspect of the theory, address how societies
respond to significant changes and challenges. This concept can be linked to Ulrich
Beck's Risk Society, which explores how modern societies deal with risks and
uncertainties (Beck, 1992). Resilience Reconfiguration Theory suggests that adaptive
reconfiguration enable societies to manage and mitigate risks by finding flexible and
innovative solutions. During Covid-19, societies the world over significantly adjusted
their lives to the new realities in order to maintain the survival of the human race; jobs
became remote, social distancing was the culture, health precautions were encouraged,
etc. A reconfiguration of the social structure to adapt to a challenge that threatened
global health, a flexible step that significantly defeated the common enemy.
3. Reconfigurationism and Institutional Dysfunction
Reconfigurationism addresses how societies deal with institutional dysfunction, a
topic explored by scholars such as Michael Lipsky, who examined the behavior of
public service workers in bureaucratic institutions (Lipsky, 1980). Resilience
Reconfiguration Theory posits that societies adapt to institutional dysfunction through
reconfiguration that ensure the continuity of essential functions and services. There
are societies where the police is non-existent, the educational sector is moribund,
economy running at negative; etc. The people thrive by creating community police to
protect themselves and their families, home-school their kids with the necessary social
skills, and create localized economic opportunities among themselves to keep them
going. They hope for these institutions to thrive, but even as they malfunction, these
disadvantaged societies make modifications that keep them going.
Expanding on Reconfigurationism: Contemporary Support and Examples
Resilience Reconfiguration Theory (RRT) conceptualizes society as an adaptive
system that continuously reconfigures itself in response to both favorable and
unfavorable changes, focusing on survival through flexible strategies rather than
direct confrontation. This theory diverges from traditional sociological theories by
emphasizing spontaneous adaptations at the micro level, rather than the influence of
historical and structural factors. This section draws on recent research and examples
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to support and illustrate the theory's relevance in modern contexts, particularly in
relation to modern ideologies, Africa, and the disparity in technological development.
1. Resilience of Modern Ideologies
Reconfigurationism is particularly relevant to the resilience of modern ideologies,
which must continuously evolve to address the shifting social, economic, and political
landscapes. Modern ideologies such as feminism, same-sex marriage, and recognition
of non-binary genders have faced significant opposition but have shown remarkable
resilience by adapting to contemporary challenges. For instance, feminism has
evolved from its early focus on suffrage and legal rights to address issues of
intersectionality, gender pay gaps, and systemic inequality. This shift demonstrates
the ideology's ability to reconfigure itself to remain relevant in the face of new
societal challenges. Similarly, the movement for same-sex marriage has transformed
from a fringe issue to a mainstream cause, gaining legal recognition in numerous
countries. This success can be attributed to the movement's adaptability, using
strategic litigation, public awareness campaigns, and alliances with other social justice
movements to achieve its goals. The recognition of non-binary genders also
exemplifies the resilience of modern ideologies. Despite significant resistance, nonbinary identities have gained increasing acceptance and legal recognition in various
parts of the world. This progress highlights the adaptive strategies employed by
activists and communities, including advocacy, education, and the reconfiguration of
legal and social frameworks to accommodate diverse gender identities. The rise of
artificial intelligence (AI) presents both challenges and opportunities for modern
ideologies. AI has the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities, but it also offers
tools for advancing social justice. For example, AI can be used to analyze large
datasets to identify and address systemic biases in hiring, lending, and law
enforcement. The adaptability of modern ideologies in leveraging AI to promote
equity and justice underscores their resilience. Digital activism is another example of
the resilience of modern ideologies. As traditional forms of protest face suppression,
activists have turned to social media and other digital platforms to mobilize support
and organize movements. This shift represents a micro-level reconfiguration, where
individuals and groups adapt their strategies to the changing landscape of political
engagement. In conclusion, the resilience of modern ideologies lies in their capacity
to adapt and reconfigure in response to contemporary challenges. Whether addressing
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gender equality, marriage rights, non-binary recognition, or leveraging AI for social
justice, these ideologies demonstrate a remarkable ability to evolve and persist. The
principles of Resilience Reconfiguration Theory provide a robust framework for
understanding how these ideologies navigate and survive in a complex and changing
world.
2. Resilience in African Societies
In many African countries, societies exhibit remarkable resilience despite
significant challenges such as failing leadership and limited resources. A study by
Williams et al. (2018) on community resilience in sub-Saharan Africa found that
social networks and local institutions play a crucial role in fostering resilience amidst
political and economic instability. These adaptive strategies reflect the principles of
RRT, where societal flexibility and community-level adaptations help maintain social
order and functionality.
Moreover, the informal economy in many African nations exemplifies micro-level
reconfiguration that support survival and adaptability. As noted by Obadare and
Willems (2014), the informal sector often operates outside the purview of formal
governance, allowing communities to adapt swiftly to economic fluctuations and
governmental failures. This phenomenon aligns with RRT's emphasis on micro
reconfiguration and spontaneous societal adjustments.
3. Thriving Amidst Technological Disparity
Countries lacking modern amenities yet managing to maintain social cohesion and
functionality provide further evidence for RRT. For instance, in regions of India, rural
communities exhibit high levels of social capital and mutual aid, enabling them to
thrive despite inadequate infrastructure. A study by Gupta et al. (2016) on rural
resilience highlighted how local traditions and community networks serve as adaptive
mechanisms to cope with external stressors, reflecting the essence of societal
reconfiguration posited by RRT.
Additionally, research on disaster resilience in developing countries, such as the
work of Aldrich and Meyer (2015), shows how social ties and community
engagement are critical in recovering from natural disasters, often compensating for
the lack of formal support systems. This adaptability in the face of adversity aligns
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with RRT’s concept of societal resilience through flexible, localized approaches
rather than waiting unending for established structures to provide needed solutions.
III. DISCUSSION
Expands Sociological Understanding
Reconfigurationism adds to the sociological discourse by offering a framework that
accounts for the dynamic and adaptive nature of modern societies. It addresses gaps
left by traditional theories by emphasizing continuous reconfiguration and flexibility
in response to both minor and significant changes. This focus on adaptability is
increasingly relevant in a global context characterized by rapid technological
advancements, shifting social norms, and complex global challenges.
Relevance to Contemporary Issues
1. Digital and Technological Adaptation: The integration of digital tools and
technology in societal adaptation is increasingly crucial. As evidenced during the
COVID-19 pandemic, societies have shown remarkable resilience through digital
communication, remote work, and online education (Merchant & Lurie, 2020;
Dhawan, 2020). This alignment with real-world events demonstrates RRT's practical
applicability.
2. Cross-Cultural Resilience: RRT's focus on cross-cultural resilience is essential for
understanding global variations in adaptive strategies. Comparative studies, such as
those on community resilience in sub-Saharan Africa and post-disaster recovery in
Japan, highlight how cultural values and local contexts influence resilience (Williams
et al., 2018; Aldrich, 2012). This broadens the scope of traditional sociological
theories, making RRT relevant in diverse contexts.
3. Ideological Inclusion: The inclusion of popular modern ideologies such as
LGBTQ, racial equality, feminism, mental health and other social well-being in RRT
discourse addresses a critical aspect of societal adjustment to accommodate every idea
demanding for a space in society (Kaniasty, 2012; Meyer, 2015).
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Theoretical Robustness
1. Integration with Existing Theories: RRT complements and expands upon existing
sociological theories. It integrates elements of Structural Functionalism, Symbolic
Interactionism, and Conflict Theory by focusing on the adaptive mechanisms of
society rather than solely on stability, meanings, or power dynamics. This multifaceted approach enhances its theoretical robustness.
2. Clear Definitions and Scope: Providing clear definitions for key concepts and
specifying the scope of adaptations ensure that RRT is distinct and focused. Defining
resilience as the ability to absorb disturbances while retaining core functions (Walker
et al., 2004) helps clarify its unique contribution to sociology.
Empirical Support and Practical Examples
1. Institutional and Governance Dynamics: RRT's emphasis on the role of
governance and institutional adaptations is supported by empirical evidence. Effective
governance during crises, such as New Zealand's response to COVID-19, showcases
how institutional reconfiguration can enhance societal resilience (Baker et al., 2020;
Lombardi et al., 2021).
2. Long-Term and Sustainable Adaptation: The theory's focus on sustainable
adaptation is validated by longitudinal studies on urban planning and climate
resilience. Sustainable strategies, such as those seen in New Orleans post-Hurricane
Katrina, highlight the importance of long-term resilience (Chamlee-Wright & Storr,
2009; Measham et al., 2011).
3. Interdisciplinary Insights: Incorporating insights from multiple disciplines, such as
ecological resilience theories, principles of consumer behaviour in economics, and
collaborative research, strengthens RRT's theoretical foundation (Holling, 1973;
Folke et al., 2010). This interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive
understanding of societal adaptation and resilience.
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IV. CONCLUSION
Resilience Reconfiguration Theory is ready to establish itself in sociology due to its
relevance, theoretical robustness, empirical support, and interdisciplinary approach.
By addressing contemporary issues, integrating with existing theories, and providing
clear definitions and practical examples, RRT offers a comprehensive framework for
understanding how modern societies adapt and thrive amidst various challenges. This
makes it a valuable addition to the field of sociology, capable of informing both
academic research and practical policy-making.
Resilience Reconfiguration Theory is relevant and valuable to existing sociological
knowledge. It provides a contemporary lens through which to understand societal
adaptability and resilience, bridging gaps left by traditional theories and aligning with
modern research on community resilience, social adaptation, and the dynamics of
societal change. The theory’s emphasis on micro-level reconfiguration and flexibility
offers a nuanced understanding of how societies maintain stability and functionality in
an ever-changing world.
Reconfigurationism offers a more robust and nuanced framework for understanding
how modern societies adapt and thrive amidst various challenges. It provide a
comprehensive perspective on societal resilience, integrating technological, cultural,
mental health, governance, sustainability, and interdisciplinary insights. This
strengthens the theory and makes it applicable and valuable in addressing
contemporary issues and informing policy and practice.
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