Themes as Dynamic Forces in Culture

In every culture are found a limited number of dynamic affirmations, called themes, which control behavior or stimulate activity. The activities, prohibitions of activities, or references which result from the acceptance of a theme are its expressions. Such expressions may be formalized or unformalized. Limiting factors, often the existence of other opposed or circumscribing themes and their extensions, control the number, force, and variety of a theme's expressions. The interplay of theme and countertheme is the key to the equilibrium achieved in a culture, and structure in culture is essentially their interrelation and balance.