Podcast TCCR #016 - The Cognosystemic Meme – How narratives spread and mutate

This episode dives into one of the most original and operational concepts of the "Cognosystemic Theory of Human Psychosocial Relational Construction" (TCCR): the cognosystemic meme. Unlike the classical memetic theory proposed by Dawkins—where memes are viral, mechanically replicated contents—the cognosystemic meme in the TCCR is intentional, dynamic, structured, and transformative.

What Is a Cognosystemic Meme?

A cognosystemic meme is a unit of narrative meaning strategically designed to influence the symbolic organization of the Cognosystem. It serves as a vehicle for meaning that traverses narrative levels, modifies symbolic structures, and enables both the reproduction and transformation of collective meaning. Unlike the classical meme, this version plays a modulatory, adaptive, and critical role in narrative processes.

Internal Structure of the Cognosystemic Meme

The episode describes its essential components:

- Semantic core: the central meaning, adaptable across contexts.

- Narrative body: the cognitive evaluation that justifies and sustains it.

- Representation format: expressed discursively, visually, gesturally, or ritually.

- Dissemination channels: family, community, institutional, or media-based.

- Propagation strategy: planned modes of legitimation, viralization, and repetition.

Types of Cognosystemic Memes

Three main types are identified:

- Consolidation memes: reinforce hegemonic narratives.

- Friction memes: introduce tension, challenge structures.

- Transition memes: enable gradual reorganizations of meaning.

Key Functions of the Cognosystemic Meme

- Disseminate and integrate narratives across the Cognosystem’s levels.

- Maintain symbolic coherence over time (chronosystem).

- Activate deep narrative transformations.

How Do Memes Propagate and Mutate?

Cognosystemic memes are transmitted across ecosystemic levels and can mutate semantically as they enter new interpretive frameworks. These mutations can take various forms:

- Fusion: combining with other memes.

- Competition: vying for control of meaning.

- Absorption: being incorporated by dominant narratives.

Their transformation depends on factors such as:

- Sociopolitical and cultural context.

- The use of symbols, metaphors, and emotional language that facilitate internalization.

Impact on the Narrative Hierarchy of the Cognosystem

This episode explores how memes can:

- Promote the rise of subaltern narratives.

- Consolidate hegemonic narratives through repetition and consensus.

- Erode dominant discourses through disruptive memes.

Shaping the Cognosystem

Finally, the episode analyzes how the cognosystemic meme functions as a strategic tool for reconfiguring the symbolic fabric that structures psychosocial reality. It is, therefore, a privileged device for analysis and intervention in Social Work aimed at generating cultural, subjective, and political transformation.

The episode concludes with a key affirmation: Understanding the cognosystemic meme is understanding how the shared meaning of a society is built, sustained, and transformed.

Listen and discover how narratives spread, change—and change the world.

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