Social Affinity Flow Theory
Three Pines in Winter - artwork by Gary Heise
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How to Cite

Gourdine, C., J. Edgren, T. Trice, and J. Zlatic. “Social Affinity Flow Theory: A New Understanding of Both Human Interaction and the Power of the Bahá’í Training Institute Process”. The Journal of Bahá’í Studies, vol. 29, no. 4, Dec. 2019, pp. 53-80, doi:10.31581/jbs-29.4.3(2019).

Abstract

This article presents a new theoretical construct, Social Affinity Flow Theory (SAFT), which both describes and predicts fl ow phenomena across a diversity of human social systems and is founded upon constructal law. Constructal law and its associated s-curves describe many phenomena, both in nature and in human societies. Extrapolated from the work of Bejan and Zane and integrating social science research, it provides a foundational explanation of social rifts prevalent in many societies today as well as constructive efforts of social change, whether secular or religiously based. A primary example of constructive change explained by SAFT is the community-building work of the Bahá’í Faith, as reflected in both its teachings and its training institute process.

https://doi.org/10.31581/jbs-29.4.3(2019)
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. If you wish to adapt, remix, transform, or build upon this work in any way, you may not distribute your work without first contacting the Editor for permission.

Copyright © 2019 Christopher G. Gourdine, Justin R. Edrgren, Thomas L. Trice, Joseph M. Zlatic