Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M4671

Grandfather Clause

Grandfather Clause
CultureHigh supportLaw
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When implementing a new law or regulation, allow old people/things to continue to apply the old rules, and only apply the new rules to new people/things. "Old users, old methods; new users, new methods."

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

A buffer to reduce resistance to reform. Radical reforms often fail because they touch vested interests. Through the grandfather clause, acknowledging the legitimacy of vested interests (buyout) and separating them from incremental interests is the most pragmatic compromise to advance reform.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

A provision in laws or regulations that exempts existing entities from new rules: new restrictions only apply to the future, while existing ones transition under the "old methods" to cushion the impact and protect vested interests.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandfather_clauseZH · Explicit
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