Education And Dialogue In Polarized Societies

EDUCATION AND DIALOGUE IN POLARIZED SOCIETIES

The Way Out

The partisan divide in the United States has widened to a chasm. Legislators vote along party lines and rarely cross the aisle. Political polarization is personal, too—and it is making us miserable. Surveys show that Americans have become more fearful and hateful of supporters of the opposing political party and imagine that they hold much more extreme views than they actually do. We have cordoned ourselves off: we prefer to date and marry those with similar opinions and are less willing to spend time with people on the other side. How can we loosen the grip of this toxic polarization and start working on our most pressing problems? The Way Out offers an escape from this morass. The social psychologist Peter T. Coleman explores how conflict resolution and complexity science provide guidance for dealing with seemingly intractable political differences. Deploying the concept of attractors in dynamical systems, he explains why we are stuck in this rut as well as the unexpected ways that deeply rooted oppositions can and do change. Coleman meticulously details principles and practices for navigating and healing the difficult divides in our homes, workplaces, and communities, blending compelling personal accounts from his years of working on entrenched conflicts with lessons from leading-edge research. The Way Out is a vital and timely guide to breaking free from the cycle of mutual contempt in order to better our lives, relationships, and country.

Intergroup Conflict and Resolution

Intergroup Conflict and Resolution What is intergroup conflict? Types of intergroup conflict Causes of intergroup conflict In-group favoritism Out-group derogation Scarce resources Differing values and beliefs Power disparities Effects of intergroup conflict Decreased cooperation Increased prejudice and discrimination Escalation of tensions Negative impact on productivity and well-being Strategies for intergroup conflict resolution Increasing contact and cooperation Facilitating perspective-taking and empathy Addressing underlying issues and inequities Promoting superordinate goals Negotiation and mediation Case study: Racial tensions in a local community Background and context Key stakeholders and their perspectives Attempts at resolution and their outcomes Lessons learned Overcoming communication barriers Identifying shared interests Addressing power imbalances Fostering trust and goodwill Case study: Resolving religious conflicts in the workplace Diverse religious beliefs and practices Accommodating religious observances Fostering interfaith dialogue Developing inclusive policies Emphasizing shared values and goals The role of leadership in conflict resolution Promoting a culture of understanding Modeling collaborative problem-solving Investing in conflict resolution training Reinforcing positive intergroup interactions Conclusion Summary of key points Importance of effective conflict resolution Ongoing challenges and future considerations