An Introduction to Socionics: Part 3 - Inter-Type Relations and the Quadras

In Part 1, I covered the basics and in Part 2, I showed how the basics come together into a Model for each personality type. In Part 3, I will show how these different types interact with each other in relationships and in communities of people.


Inter-type Relations

This refers to the pattern of functional interaction between two socionic types, that is to say the description of the psychological compatibility between two types.

There are fourteen of these relationships and among them twelve are called symmetrical and two asymmetrical.

Some of the inter-type relations are more psychologically compatible (or favourable) than others. The different relationships are listed below in order of most to least compatible

·         Duality: Symmetric relation. They are perfectly fitted for each other as the suggestive and mobilising functions of one match the leading and creative functions of the other and vice versa, allowing just the right synergy of valued information. This leads to a “Yin/Yang” effect.

Dual relationship between an ILE and an SEI.

        Dual Pairs (Dyads):

                          ILE - SEI
                          ESE - LII
                          EIE - LSI
                          SLE - IEI
                          SEE - ILI
                          LIE - ESI
                          LSE - EII

                          IEE - SLI 

·         Identical: Symmetric relation. The two partners of such a relationship have the same IM type and thus all functions are exactly matched. These pairings can get to know each other extremely quickly and have no trouble with communication. However, they rarely find solutions to each other’s problems and they will want to take responsibility in the same field, which might lead one partner to idle. For example, an ILE and another ILE.

·         Activation: Symmetric relation. Their ego and super-id blocks are matched so they find it comfortable to let down their guard around each other however the leading matches the other’s mobilising and the creative the suggestive, meaning too much and too little of certain kinds of required information are given. As a result, although common for friendships, these relationships can be a little over-stimulating and even competitive, requiring the partners to require breaks from each other from time to time.

        Activator Pairs:

                          ILE - ESE
                          SEI - LII
                          EIE - SLE
                          LSI - IEI
                          SEE - LIE
                          ILI - ESI
                          LSE - IEE
                          EII - SLI

·         Mirror: Symmetric relation. It is a relationship of intellectual connection and stimulation and mutual correction. The pair share the same ego block but with the leading and creative functions switched, causing a different emphasis on how they approach similar fields with opposite temperaments. They will often respect and appreciate eachother’s work but may feel that something is being focused on too much and another more important thing is being compromised.

        Mirror Pairs:

                          ILE - LII
                    SEI - ESE
                    EIE - IEI
                    LSI - SLE
                    SEE - ESI
                    ILI - LIE
                    LSE - SLI
                    EII - IEE

·         Kindred: Symmetric relation. Also called comparative relations, the partners in this relation share the same leading function and have a different creative function, which makes interaction very easy as they are both after the same things in life. However, the difference in creative function can lead to disagreements over value differences, with each thinking the same goal should be achieved in ways off-putting to each other.

      

        Kindred Pairs:

                          ILE - IEE
                    SEI - SLI
                    EIE - ESE
                    LSI - LII
                    SEE - SLE
                    ILI - IEI
                    LSE - LIE
                    EII - ESI

·         Look-a-like:Symmetric relation. Also called business relations, the partners have different leading functions but the same creative function, meaning that although they are fundamentally after different things, they use similar methods and are open to similar follies. As a result, they can appear quite similar, albeit often working in rather different fields.

  

        Look-a-like Pairs:

                          ILE - SLE
                    SEI - IEI
                    EIE - LIE
                    LSI - ESI
                    SEE - IEE
                    ILI - SLI
                    LSE - ESE
                    EII - LII

·         Semi-duality: Symmetric relation. Relations of semi-duality are ones of incomplete or inefficient duality when the leading and suggestive functions of the two partners are matched but the creative and mobilising are not. As a result, the two supply each other’s main need but are unable to adequately put each other at ease, leading to a “moth to the flame” effect where the partners are drawn to each other but can suddenly break apart due to a clash in values.

      

        Semi-dual Pairs:

                          ILE - SLI
                    SEI - IEE
                    EIE - LII
                    LSI - ESE
                    SEE - IEI
                    ILI - SLE
                    LSE - ESI
                    EII - LIE

·         Illusionary: Symmetric relation. Also called ‘Mirage’ relations. Each partner is the Look-a-like of the other’s Dual, causing the partners to enjoy each other’s company. However, although the creative and mobilising functions of each partner are matched, the leading and suggestive are not, meaning that these partners are never truly satisfied with each other, often leading to stagnancy.

        

        Illusion Pairs:

                          ILE - IEI
                    SEI - SLE
                    EIE - ESI
                    LSI - LIE
                    SEE - SLI
                    ILI - IEE
                    LSE - LII
                    EII - ESE

·         Super-ego: Symmetric relation. Super-Ego partners often find each other quite mysterious and curious people and appreciate each other’s energies due to matching temperaments. However, their leading and role as well as their creative and vulnerable functions are matched, leading to a dissonance in values and abilities, meaning that conversations are usually short-lived and unfulfilling.

    

        Super-ego Pairs:

                          ILE - SEE
                    SEI - ILI
                    EIE - LSE
                    LSI - EII
                    LIE - ESE 
                    ESI - LII
                    IEE - SLE
                    SLI - IEI

·         Benefit: Asymmetric relation in which the type with the higher status is called the Benefactor (>) and the type with the lower status is called the Beneficiary (<). Here, the suggestive function of the Beneficiary is matched by the Benefactor’s creative while the Benefactor’s suggestive function is matched by the Beneficiary’s vulnerable function. As a result, the Beneficiary requires a little too much from the Benefactor while giving absolutely nothing of what the Benefactor needs in return. This provides a feeling of being used in the Benefactor and a feeling of impotence in the Beneficiary. As an asymmetric relation, this is better demonstrated in rings rather than pairs.

    

        Benefit Rings:

                          ILE > EIE > SEE > LSE > ILE... etc.
                    SEI > LSI > ILI > EII > SEI... etc.
                    ESE > IEE > LIE > SLE > ESE... etc. 
                    LII > SLI > ESI > IEI > LII... etc.

·         Supervision: Asymmetric relation in which one partner, the Supervisor (>), is in a higher psychological position than the other partner, the Supervisee (<). This is due to the leading function of the Supervisor matching the vulnerable function of the Supervisee, causing the former to be baffled by the inadequacies of the latter and placing expectations on them that the latter does not understand. Additionally, the leading of the Supervisee only matches the creative of the Supervisor, meaning the feeling of bafflement is not returned. As an asymmetric relation, this is better demonstrated in rings rather than pairs.

        Supervision Rings:

                          ILE > LSI > SEE > EII > ILE... etc.
                    SEI > EIE > ILI > LSE > SEI... etc.
                    ESE > SLI > LIE > IEI > ESE... etc. 
                    LII > IEE > ESI > SLE > LII... etc.

·         Quasi-identical: Symmetric relation. This is a relationship of external similarity and internal value dissonance where the two partners have their leading functions matching each other’s demonstrative functions and creative with ignoring, meaning that although the partners may superficially work in similar fields and do similar things, they have very different priorities in how to approach matters, meaning that they may never agree on what is the right way to do something and may see each other as ‘wrong-headed’. As a result quasi-identicals often resemble ‘topsy-turvy’ versions of each other. 

        Quasi-identical Pairs:

                          ILE - LIE
                    SEI - ESI
                    EIE - IEE
                    LSI - SLI
                    SEE - ESE  
                    ILI - LII
                    LSE - SLE
                    EII - IEI

·         Extinguishment: Symmetric relation. This is a relationship of confusion and confounding where the two partners have their leading functions matching each other’s ignoring functions and creative with demonstrative. A strong, explicit values dissonance should occur, with each stubbornly disagreeing with what the other thinks is most important and not backing down. Each type will see the other as highly contrarian and unwilling to accept their point of view.

        Extinguishor Pairs:

                          ILE - ILI
                    SEI - SEE
                    EIE - EII
                    LSI - LSE
                    LIE - LII  
                    ESI - ESE
                    SLI - SLE
                    IEE - IEI

·         Conflicting: Symmetric relation. Conflict is the inter-type relation considered to be the least compatible and fulfilling psychologically as the two partners are complete opposites. The leading and vulnerable functions as well as the creative and role functions are matched leading to mutual misunderstanding and inadequacy as both find each other to lack in desirable qualities or operate in a manner that can be really understood. Unfortunately, the conflictor is the quasi-identical of a person’s dual and so such relationships can come about due to confusion, the people superficially being a point of intrigue at a distance and thus having an attractive effect to begin with. This often goes wrong once they come closer.

        Conflictor Pairs:

                          ILE - ESI
                    SEI - LIE
                    EIE - SLI
                    LSI - IEE
                    SEE - LII  
                    ILI - ESE
                    LSE - IEI
                    EII - SLE

Quadras

A group of four types that have the same valued elements, that is to say their 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th functions and the same subdued elements, that is to say their 3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th functions. The best inter-type relations exist between members of the same quadra: identical, duality, activation and mirror.

Quadras are united by their values, which Reinin categorised by two dichotomies:

1. World-Accepting and World-Rejecting

This determines which Irrational IM Elements are valued.

• World-Accepting -  Value Senses and Ideas. World-Accepting types are open to the many possibilities that the world has to offer and do not like to limit themselves or miss out on anything. They want to give everything in life a chance,  They prefer things to go smoothly and harmoniously, immersing themselves in the flow of the moment and savouring what is in front of them. It is important to refine these experiences, avoiding what is discordant and embracing experiences of the best quality.

• World-Rejecting -  Value Force and Time. World-Rejecting types focus on the matters of great importance in their world and readily decide what is purposeful and what is not. They are happy to limit or cut out of their lives what is trivial or a distraction to their intended path. They prefer to struggle with reality to ensure that their ambitions are fulfilled, and take the view that ambitions must be achieved by competing with reality to win. Content with restless, strenuous activity, it is important to feel that they are making a concrete impact on their world.

2. Clarity-Seeking and Integrity-Seeking

This determines which Rational IM Elements are valued.

• Clarity-Seeking -  Value Laws and Emotion. Clarity-Seeking types are geared towards open expression of how they are feeling to the people around them, making decisions based on unambiguous feelings of fun, excitement or meaning as well as the buzz they get from others. They need to understand things with clarity, making absolute sense of their reality in line with a consistent, self-evident truth.

• Integrity-Seeking -  Value Pragmatism and Relations. Integrity-Seeking types are geared towards dry, matter-of-fact statements that accurately inform on events, making decisions based on their own assessment of the facts and seems most prudent to the situation. They need to establish sincere, stable relationships with others, staying loyal to those they like while keeping untrustworthy people at a distance. 

The Socion contains four quadras: 

·         Alpha: World-Accepting and Clarity-Seeking. Includes LII, ILE, ESE and SEI. Thought to have a “childlike” mentality. Combines intellectual play with joyful hedonism. This means that Alphas tend to prefer relaxed, aesthetic environments where emotions are expressed in the group with jokes and laughter. At the same time, they enjoy stimulating, fun conversation about theories and philosophy, where innovative, logical thought is prioritised. These groups are often open with people being invited to join in with the fun and offer an interesting or tangential opinion on the subject. Unpleasant, negative conversation is avoided with the group preferring things to remain light-hearted and in good humour so that the mood is not spoiled by personal qualms. Instead, criticisms are often softened to be in good humour for everyone to laugh with. Alphas want to devise an understanding of the world where everything fits together perfectly, a sort of 'grand theory' that is both all-encompassing as well as beautifully elegant. To envision an Alpha setting, think of a birthday party or philosophers having a drink down at the pub. 

·         Beta: World-Rejecting and Clarity-Seeking. Includes LSI, SLE, EIE and IEI. Thought to have a “youthful” mentality. Combines assertive hierarchy with romanticised destiny. This means that Betas prefer environments where the group is united by expressed common values, working towards a long term goal. Those against the group's values may be treated as a common foe. Raucous, loud stories are often told by those in charge with group participation expected while people adhere to a set pecking order. There is often an aura of competitiveness in these groups, with pushing and shoving to reach the top. Despite this sense of competition, acceptance to the group is given on principle with newcomers being warmly welcomed. However, this welcoming air can turn icy someone be perceived to act against the group. Sometimes the emotionality in the group can become rather intense and heated and when there is a dispute, people owe it to the group to be straight and open with how they feel, laying the issue out on the table and even fighting it out if needed until the drama dissipates. Betas wish to understand their world with certainty and may commit to an ideological way of viewing the world which grants purpose and meaning, seeing other ideologies as obstacles to be removed. Those who embrace the same ideology are seen as belonging and are treated as brethren. To envision a Beta setting, think of a political party or intense clubbing night. 

·         Gamma: Integrity-Seeking and World-Rejecting. Includes ESI, SEE, LIE and ILI. Thought to have a “mature” mentality. Combines harsh judgment with strategic thinking. This means that Gammas prefer to remain independent from the controls and influences of other people, striving to fulfil their own ambitions as a matter of personal achievement. They prefer to look at facts in the long term, doing what is prudent for their future and sacrificing daily concerns for what will be best later on. Socialising is a pragmatic means of meeting people who can be trusted and form meaningful relations with. New people are quickly judged, with a strong emphasis on individuals being essentially good and trustworthy. More pragmatic, working relations can be formed, although scumbags will be rejected with vitriol. People are thus treated as individuals who could either be allies or enemies, depending on their set, inner nature. Gammas will tend to consider their own opinions towards issues carefully and when necessary, will prefer people to speak their mind harshly and disagree rather than try to stay friendly. They can be extreme in their attitudes towards other people, forming long-lasting grudges against those they deem 'evil'. To envision a Gamma setting, think of a business meeting or else the lone entrepreneur, trying to solidify a profitable future.

·         Delta: World-Accepting and Integrity-Seeking. Includes EII, IEE, LSE and SLI. Thought to have a “senior” mentality. Combines good-faith judgment with practical convenience. This means that Deltas like peaceful, minimalist surroundings in which they are free to work on their own endeavours without interruption. They prefer to be self-sufficient, being able to do things themselves, or else learn how to improve themselves so that they no longer need help. At the same time, they enjoy giving sound, practical advice to help people, earnestly trying to make their immediate surroundings a better, more fruitful place. Deltas tend to be understated, with a quiet humility, or else, taking a sudden excitable interest in a new person who is of interest. People are judged carefully over time, with Deltas being happy to give others the benefit of the doubt, looking past misunderstandings until they know the person is right for them or not. Disagreements are often respectfully addressed, but rarely lead to an argument, with Deltas being happy to go their own way and not mind what others do. At the same time, they may do much to avoid long-term commitments, needing to be free to choose based on new situations and able to manage their own affairs with convenience. To envision a Delta setting, think of the friend who pops in to see you after some eclectic travels or else the sort of person who goes off into the woods to build their own tree-house.


Now that you've read through this Introduction and have a basic grasp,  why not try joining the World Socionics Society?