Abstract
We propose the concept of an 〃intermediary unit〃 and discuss its significance and relevance in the social systems theory. In the background of this discussion there lies the actual situation that there is no system of meaning and values valid in all the areas in the world society which has emerged in the process of functional differentiation and globalization, nor can we design such a system theoretically. How can we interpret the plurality of meaning-spaces in the world society? How will this plurality develop in the future? And how can people construct their identity in such a situation? Guided by these questions we consider the significance of intermediary units, define the competition of intermediary units and meaning-spaces in the actual social process as the 〃politics of meaning〃, and propose the new form of pluralism based on the concept of 〃poly-contexturality〃.
