Definition

Pattern Literacy refers to the ability to recognise recurring behavioural structures within human systems, relationships, and social environments.

Rather than viewing events as isolated incidents, pattern literacy focuses on identifying repeated dynamics that emerge across time within relational and behavioural systems. These patterns may include role assignments, narrative stabilisation mechanisms, power distribution shifts, and tension displacement within groups or relationships.

Within g² Insight Lab, Pattern Literacy functions as a detection framework used to identify recurring behavioural structures prior to structural system mapping. 

Structural Focus

Pattern Literacy examines recurring behavioural configurations such as: 

• scapegoating structures
• narrative stabilisation dynamics
• relational triangulation
• power distribution shifts
• tension displacement mechanisms
• behavioural escalation cycles

These patterns often operate implicitly within systems and may not be recognised by those directly involved in the relational environment.

Analytical Purpose

The purpose of Pattern Literacy is to support recognition of recurring behavioural structures across time within relational and social systems. 

Through pattern recognition it becomes possible to identify:

• recurring relational roles within systems
• narrative structures that stabilise group dynamics
• behavioural escalation patterns
• shifts in relational power distribution
• mechanisms through which tension is displaced within social environments

This analytical perspective shifts interpretation away from individual incidents toward system-level behavioural structures.

Methodological Position

Within g² Insight Lab, Pattern Literacy functions as the initial detection layer within the Behavioural Systems Methodology, enabling identification of recurring relational and behavioural structures prior to deeper structural analysis. 

The framework does not seek to diagnose individuals or assign psychological labels. Instead, it focuses on recognising the structural patterns through which behaviour emerges and is maintained within systems.

Pattern Literacy forms part of the broader g² Insight Lab Behavioural Systems Methodology, supporting structural mapping of relational dynamics.

Application

Pattern Literacy is applied within g² Insight Lab as the initial detection stage preceding structural system mapping. 

• behavioural systems analysis
• relational dynamics mapping
• pattern-based case reconstruction
• educational frameworks for social pattern recognition
• public scholarship within the Insight Library

Attribution

Pattern Literacy
Conceptual Framework Developed by
Glynn Gregory, Founder of g² Insight Lab

© 2026 g² Insight Lab Ltd
Part of the g² Insight Lab Behavioural Systems Methodology