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Social immunology: A theory of the immune processes of social systems

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  • Domenico Tosini

Abstract

This article adds to the literature on system research by providing a comprehensive analysis of the immune processes for the social system of society, focusing on conflicts and law as the main components. Social systems are conceptualized as self‐reproducing units based on communication, with individuals constituting separate entities, namely, the human environment of society. Processes of social immunization concern individuals' perception of the social costs of expectations and their consequent reactions, which can give rise to ecological tensions between social systems and the human environment. Individuals' reactions to social costs are problems that social systems should deal with communicatively to guarantee their own reproduction. Conflicts contribute to immune processes by channeling the perception of social costs into specific communicative forms, such as social movements. Whereas legal procedures are the main settings in which social systems are immunized from the costly continuation of disputes, which would interfere in the social autopoiesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Domenico Tosini, 2021. "Social immunology: A theory of the immune processes of social systems," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(1), pages 50-60, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:38:y:2021:i:1:p:50-60
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2664
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jessica Stern & Jonathan B. Wiener, 2006. "Precaution Against Terrorism," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(4), pages 393-447, June.
    2. George L. Priest, 1991. "The Modern Expansion of Tort Liability: Its Sources, Its Effects, and Its Reform," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 5(3), pages 31-50, Summer.
    3. Stern, Jessica & Wiener, Jonathan B., 2006. "Precaution against Terrorism," Working Paper Series rwp06-019, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jauernig, Johanna & Uhl, Matthias & Valentinov, Vladislav, 2021. "The ethics of corporate hypocrisy: An experimental approach," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 131.

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