One.

This week, we learned more about the Adaptive Structuration Theory. It was explained that a structure is shaped by the rules made and implemented by its members (i've talked about this in the previous post as well).

Structures don't necessarily have to be fixed or have to come in a specific form. An informal structure, like the Blue Babble Bench, can be considered a structure and in effect have (unwritten) rules too.

Babble Bench Rules:

This entry was made in the said bench with the help of other members. Pictures were also taken as the entry was made. The rules below are not official written down rules. They are only reflections of what we think the rules are based on experience.

1. All members of the Babble may sit in the bench during their breaks and free times with the freedom to do anything they want (ex. Sleep, do homework, talk, eat, and in my case write a blog). As much as possible, people who aren't part of the Babble are not allowed to sit aside from friends of members. The Sec C foyer, if not used for Tambay Weeks of other orgs, is usually our homebase in Ateneo.

2. Should anyone leave food in the bench, it is considered communal and all members may partake of it. There are times when food is intentionally brought to be shared (ex. Carlo's blueberry cheesecake).

3. It is proper to greet everyone in the bench as you come to let them know of your presence. It is highly encouraged.



4. Bags/objects that are left in the bench by members should not be fiddled with by other members without the permission of the member who owns them (Pen, laptops and drumsticks and some other misc things are exceptions). Also, members in the bench must watch over these things when the owner is not around.



5. Members can place dibs on unreturned JSEC plates that're left on the bench.



All these rules reflect one very important concept for the Babble - Unity. Unity is what makes this structure the way it is and this is where these rules are based on. Without unity, there wouldn't be a Babble so it's quite proper how these rules all work on being united and sharing what we have with each other.

A Structure in a Structure

This week, we were introduced to the Adaptive Structuration Theory. We haven't delved deep into this theory yet but on what we've discussed so far, here is my personal understanding of it so far.

This theory explains that social institutions are created and molded by it's rules. The rules make us, kung baga. With the rules that are set, a certain social structure is built. With everyone in that institution going by the same rules, they are molded the same way.

In my highschool, Assumption College, there were rules that needed to be followed to make us the assumptionistas that we are. We wouldn't be the same girls if not for the rules and principles we all lived by during our stay there. Rules on simplicity were heavily implimented to address the school's aim for this value.

Here in my college, Ateneo, it works the same way. These rules make us the atenistas we are and we will appear to be in our future jobs. I'd like to think the concept of "Magis" is a big part in the making of an atenista. Magis is the Ateneo Way.

The way i see it, these structures gave me some rules that i've instilled in me to make me the person i am now - i am the product of the structures that i've been part of. I become my own person with the help of all the structures i've been part of. Not only school, but also with the group of friends i'm with, the media i expose myself to and my family and what we all live by. Or at least, that's how i see it.