Boman Björn. Parallelization. A Theory of Cultural, Economic and Political Complexity

Springer, 2023. — 93 p.This SpringerBrief is an extension of the article "Parallelization: the fourth leg of cultural globalization theory" (Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 2021) by Dr. Björn Boman. The original article consisted of four main examples of parallelization, and has been expanded to include chapters on Korea, Russia-Ukraine, and Georgia. This book points to the relations between oppositely directed processes and the need for theoretical modelling of complex societal processes.
This little book is interesting as it takes a concept—parallelization—from the domain of global political relationships within and between countries to the level of abstracted theory that should cover the whole of social sciences. The reader can be intrigued by that transposition—which is likely to trigger new thoughts. This is very much needed in both psychology and political sciences as the usual contrasts between personal and political standpoints are given as if these were solid. The parallelization coverage in this book transcends that by taking a developmental orientation.
What is parallelization? The author sets it up as the “fourth leg” in the general theory of globalization. The other three—represented in Pieterse’s (2015) globalization theory—are homogenization, hybridization, and polarization. Is this “fourth leg” needed? The author of this book passionately claims it is. Indeed, four-legged creatures are more lovable than any three-legged ones if those were to exist in nature—so let us accept the author’s claim.
In a nutshell, parallelization applies to co-presence of oppositely directed processes in politics, society, and the human mind. Such parallel patterns occur in a complex world where a singular pattern seldom occurs or constitutes a dominant trajectory (Boman 2021, pp, 355–358). Parallelization leads to unity of opposites—many related events and processes are taking place at the same time. Such social realities give rise to paradoxes in terms of classical logic where A and non-A cannot co-exist. In complex systems, they do co-exist—and here Boman’s parallelization “fourth leg” as added to Pieterse’s system fits. His ambitions are notable—his range of presented phenomena cultural development, globalization, secularization, migration, cognitive ability, the economic effects of climate change, and political conflicts is impressive, even if the reader might feel the need for further depth of analyses in each case.
In sum, the present book could persuade the reader about the need for theoretical modelling of complex societal processes. It points to the arena that is generally is overlooked—relations between oppositely directed processes in complex social systems.
About the Author
Björn Boman has obtained a PhD in education from Stockholm University, and a master's degree in history and the social science of religion from Uppsala University, as well as master's degree in education from Uppsala University. He has also studied the Korean language as well as Russian history and politics at Stockholm University. Dr. Boman has published extensively on academic achievement and cognitive ability, South Korea's cultural history, and the Russia-Ukraine war.