Reflections on Revolutionary Change

Abstract

Almost thirty years ago, I wrote a paper about a set of ‘revolutionary’ theories that were emerging in disparate fields, challenging the traditional assumption that large scale change occurs gradually and in tiny increments. They suggested, instead, that systems change more dramatically, through the alternation of long and stable ‘equilibriums’ with relatively short, disruptive ‘punctuations’ of transformative reconfiguration. In this paper I reflect on how my own understanding of this Punctuated Equilibrium paradigm has been influenced since then by my experience conducting two long-term studies–one on the founding and growth of an innovative NGO in a Bornean rain-forest, and one on women’s adult development in the context of the late twentieth century women’s movement. I use examples from these studies to re-examine the importance of the Punctuated Equilibrium paradigm for understanding complex systems, not only for comprehending and diagnosing problems accurately, but for creating and carrying out effective solutions.