Cultural Variation in Conflict Resolution

Alternatives To Violence

Douglas P Fry editor Kaj Bj”rkqvist editor Kaj Bjorkqvist editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Inc

Published:1st Nov '96

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Cultural Variation in Conflict Resolution cover

This volume's central purpose is to provide a clearly written, scholarly exploration of cultural variation regarding conflict resolution and in so doing, highlight certain alternatives to violence. It presents an interdisciplinary examination of how conflicts are perceived and handled in a variety of cultural settings. Drawing on data and models from anthropology, psychology, and political science, the chapters analyze conflict resolution across the societal spectrum, including cases from Western and non-Western traditions, complex and tribal societies, and violent and non-violent cultures. While demonstrating the extremely important impact of culture on conflict resolution processes, the book does not solely emphasize cultural specificity. Rather--through introductory chapters, section introductions, and a concluding chapter--the volume editors draw attention to cross-cultural patterns in an attempt to further the search for more general conflict principles.

An explicit message throughout the book is that alternatives to violence exist. The volume demonstrates that at various levels--from the interpersonal to the international-- conflicts can be handled in ways that cause far less pain and destruction than violence. Chapters by psychologists discuss social and cognitive processes for facilitating the learning of alternatives to violence among children and youth. Anthropology contributors explore mechanisms for dealing with social conflict which allow some cultures to remain relatively peaceful and consider implications of their work for reducing violence in other societies. Chapters by former President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, and by political scientists examine how non-violent political solutions can be employed as alternatives to warfare and violent resistence.

"The editors are to be congratulated for assembling a diverse array of contributions of generally very high quality....I found some of the chapters fascinating, and the broad interdisciplinary spread means that virtually every reader is likely to find some new and interesting material here....This book is wide ranging but readable; it deals with ideals but is realistic in its presentation of successes and failures. It is a worthy contribution to a topic of vital importance."
Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology

"...an integrative work that makes timely and constructive use of cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives. The book's many contributors bring a variety and wealth of experience to this very important topic. Its editors guide the reader through the rich diversity of material with insight and competence."
Victoria K. Burbank
University of Western Australia and author of Fighting Women

"...magnificent. Its many contributions will have an enduring value. In addition, it will remain excitably readable."
Ashley Montagu
author of The Nature of Human Aggression

ISBN: 9780805822229

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 408g

290 pages