“Schismogenesis” Quoting Atmore: “The idea of “schismogenesis” was first identified by Gregory Bateson to describe the ways in which relationship between individual or groups deteriorate. Schismogenesis occurs in several different ways: factional schismogenesis , in which a group splinters into two or more distinct group; apostatizing schismogenesis, in which an individual separates from the group; symmetrical schismogenesis, in which individuals from the group compete directly with each other, the severity of competition increasing equally on each side; and complementary schismogenesis, in which a rift forms between unequal partners playing the roles of dominant and submissive.
Bateson treats the events involved in schismogenesis as openly recognized by both parties. However, in my study of Fairfield, it became apparent that schisms are not always overt and recognized by those involved in them. In some cases, schism occur without the knowledge of one or more parties, which I will refer to as a covert schism or overt schismogenesis. This can often lead to overt schismogenesis (Batesons’ openly recognized schism) once the schism has progressed to a certain point. However, this does not mean schismogenesis is not occurring until it has become overt; there are still social rifts forming during the covert phase. This necessitates a slight redefinition of schismogenesis, in which the term encompasses all situations in which rifts form between people, whether overt, covert, or in a processual relationship from covert to overt.” -excerpted from: Communal Societies, Journal of the Communal Studies Association, Lane Atmore, Death of a Guru: An Analysis of the Postcharismatic Phase in the Transcendental Meditation Movement.
