Patterns & Metaphors
Taking turns
Template:
Taking things in turn and letting others have their turn involves an understanding of alternation which is first developed in children's games. It is also basic to some adult games, to the ordering of conference speakers, or of performers at a show, and to 'waiting one's turn' for access to some service.
Metaphor:
Different groups could each take it in turn to formulate or implement policies, or benefit from access to limited services.
[Features] The natural understanding at least in children's games is of the justice of it being a particular person's turn, of the injustice of not letting others have their turn, and of the requirement that each should take a turn at being the hero (or villain).
[Contrast] In society the right of each social group to have its turn is resisted and quarrelled about with what, in the context of children's games, would be considered as much bullying.
[Keys] What is carried, expressed or contained by 'turning'? Behaviour in queues. Rules for establishing whose turn it is. The characteristics of the 'natural justice' governing the acceptability of taking turns.<
