Island of meaning review

Islands of Meaning by Zerubavel The article illustrates how we mentally categorize things by segmenting and applying meaning to the world around us. This enables us to form ideas and opinions that aid in the development of society along with our own image of self. Our boundaries can be dependent upon our cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds influencing what is defined as normal or acceptable. Frames are mental dividers that give a particular meaning to a group of objects that enables differentiation of individual objects thru generalized criteria. Frames can be used to give contrast, separate and define items altering their meaning dependent upon individual experiences. The frames enable distinctions based on the context from which something is presented and viewed. The differentiation between a person riding a motorcycle might be viewed as an outlaw versus an enthusiast. Another example could be religious ceremonies implied meanings being based on those involved changing from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and so one. The processing of information into partitions utilizes space, time, identity and mental fields as definitive criteria. By giving meaning to nonphysical space allows the placing of boundaries that enable further categorizing of areas creating social boundaries. The distinction between doctors and nursing lounges within a hospital implies a separation of space and professions.
The distinctive meaning given towards a section time allows separation by assigning of a special designation allowing for distinct classifications. The classification of the seasons having several months with all having different aspects that are unique to that particular time of year.
The distinction of identity enables classifying us versus them that can be either a person singular or a group of similar individuals. The classification of a member of the military can be broken down to army to division to company to platoon to squad to individual soldier. The sense of