Hierarchical restructuring

A process in which complex stable systems can undergo sudden transitions to new self-maintaining arrangements which will in turn be stable for a relatively long time, when restructured by larger hierarchical patterns. In general, a stable hierarchical structure from the lowest levels (molecules, enzyme cycles, etc.) up to a given level (cell or organism, for example) grows to a new structure because it comes in contact with new and different materials or information or another such structure (e.g. another organism). This can make the patterns unstable at the highest level until there is resolution (conflict, cooperation) with restructuring either by breaking apart or by a new organization at a level higher than the given level, to make a new stable pattern encompassing the larger experience of the larger system. Some transformations of viruses are examples of hierarchical restructuring and some cancers may be also. Some forms of cultural change may be analagous, such as westernization.