Kokonaisma

Kokonaisma is a term used in Finnish-language scholarship to denote a holistic, system-oriented approach to knowledge, design, and policy. The word blends kokonais- meaning “whole” with a nominal suffix that marks abstract concepts, signaling a theoretical stance rather than a specific technique. The concept centers on the idea that understanding arises from considering wholes and the interactions among their parts, rather than from analyzing components in isolation.

As a framework, kokonaisma foregrounds interdependence, context, and emergent properties. Advocates argue for integrating methods across disciplines, blending analytical precision with systemic insight, and aligning outcomes with long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains. It sits near holism and systems theory but emphasizes translation into practice and policy contexts in Finnish discourse.

Applications of kokonaisma include education design, urban and environmental planning, organizational development, and cultural production, where projects are conceived as integrated wholes rather than sums of parts. Critics caution that the term can be vague, risking overgeneralization without clear methodological guidelines or measurable criteria.

Historically, kokonaisma emerged in Finnish scholarly and policy debates in the early 21st century, gaining traction in discussions about sustainability, interdisciplinarity, and holistic design. It remains a contested term, with supporters valuing its integrative stance and critics noting its definitional looseness and potential to obscure disciplinary details.

See also: holism, systems theory, interdisciplinarity.