Prefiguring the Design of Freedom: An Informational Theory Approach to Socio-Political Cybernetics; Analysing the Messages in 2021 Colombian Uprisings

Abstract

Origin

The research analysed the messages communicated during the uprisings in a city in Colombia during 2021. The objective of the study was to determine the organisational idea of the country prefigured by the protestors during the marches.

Method

The research uses participatory observation in an ethnographic method for data collection; for data analysis and reduction, it uses grounded theory; and for data analysis, it uses cybernetic communication modelling and the Viable Systems Model. During the six marches the researchers attended to, the study registered and analysed the messages contained in speeches, alternative media outlets, chants, signs, graffiti, and theatrical plays.

Findings

It identifies the people´s demand for autonomy in the country, the emergence of new political identities, the use of telecommunications as a means for changing the state´s institutions, the use of art and culture in the country’s demonstrations, and the demand for the respect of human rights. The study analysed the findings using the socio-political cybernetics framework proposed by Stafford Beer.

Originality

The article presents a novel approach to the study of the Colombian uprisings of 2021. The paper applies the socio-political cybernetic approach, which is uncommon in studies in cybernetics. It also proposes an extension to the cybernetic theory of communications.