Let's not talk about it for a change

Abstract

Here is presented a social constructionist account of relational processes in which the focus is on joint (rather than individual) acts or “co-ordinations”. Co-ordinations are considered to be achieved between acts, artifacts, and nature, (re)constructing social realities. Such arguments enable and warrant some interesting possibilities concerning persons, processes, and change. Not least is the changed significance of shared understanding and talk ‘about’ reality constructions. A light-hearted but entirely serious exploration then is conducted of some narratives in relation to which certain shifts make sense. The first is to shift focus to the present in relation to possible futures (rather than talk about constructions of the past and of problems). The second is to act from ‘within’ local co-ordination processes and construct “power to” (rather than try to achieve change from ‘outside’). Third, it is suggested to accept multiple local constructions (rather than e.g. a shared vision). A running theme, and the central narrative of this piece, is that talking about what is ‘real and good’ limits possibilities for change. Other inclusive ways of knowing and being are proposed that might open up richer relational possibilities.