  It is shown that by introducing as dynamical variables in the formulation of
gauge theories the frame vectors (or vielbeins) in internal symmetry space, in
addition to the standard gauge boson and matter fermion fields, one obtains:
(i) for the $su(2) \times u(1)$ symmetry, the standard electroweak theory with
the Higgs field thrown in as part of the framed gauge theoretical structure,
(ii) for the $su(3) \times su(2) \times u(1)$ symmetry, a "framed standard
model" with, apart from the Higgs field as before, a global $su(3)$ symmetry to
play the role of fermion generations, plus some other properties which are
shown elsewhere to give to both quarks and leptons hierarchical mass and mixing
patterns similar to those experimentally observed. Besides, the "framing" of
the standard model as such has brought the particle theory closer in structure
to the theory of gravity where vierbeins have long figured as dynamical
variables. Although most of the results have already been reported before, time
and hindsight have allowed their presentation in this review to be made more
transparent and succint.
