15. Boundary Negotiation
Boundary Negotiation is the eternal process by which Realms of Freedom are contracted or expanded. At any given moment, weapons and tools are being employed, even sometimes unknowingly, to change what is considered possible or reasonable.
A new state law is enacted to prevent discrimination, a debate with a friend changes a long-held opinion, or a notable expression of art adds a new perspective to the national conversation. All are examples of boundary negotiation, though they vary in terms of scale (individual, group, or societal), type (institutional or cultural), and extent (significance of contraction/expansion).
Regardless, negotiations rarely occur on a level playing field. So, let's get into some considerations:
Scale
What or whose interests should be involved in this process?
Type
Successful boundary negotiations address both of the Realm Enforcers. Because culture and institutions are so deeply linked, this can get a little messy, but... it gives us something to start with.
For as far as political advocacy or scholarly contributions could go toward changing policy, both efforts might fall flat if voter values are still opposed. Actors trying to expand the Dominant Realm likely want to consider approaches that address both Enforcers simultaneously.
- Note this might work a little differently if the change is sourced from some hegemonic force like the Supreme Court. Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 was an institutional boundary expansion when it legalized marriage for same-sex couples, though it arguably also contributed to a cultural shift toward greater LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Also, if an expansion directed at one Enforcer does not eventually affect the other, it's unlikely to have been much of an expansion in the first place!
- institutional example: welfare programs intended to alleviate poverty that carry such limited benefits or administrative burden that they only end up reinforcing negative public perceptions toward the poor
- cultural example: countercultural beliefs from hippies seemingly becoming mainstream, though they really only end up aesthetically appropriated by dominant culture rather than informing changes in government operations
Extent
What actually changed, and who is still fighting?