Transforming Cultural Conflict in an Age of Complexity

Berlin: Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management, 2000

24 Pages Posted: 22 Jun 2011

See all articles by Michelle LeBaron

Michelle LeBaron

University of British Columbia - Faculty of Law

Date Written: 2000

Abstract

This article will survey several definitions of culture, arguing that the most useful approach is to define culture broadly and to recognize its significance to most or all conflicts. Some of the ways that culture affects conflicts will be outlined, accompanied by examples. These include: culture as a lens that both facilitates and blocks effective communication; culture and world view differences as the subject of conflicts; and conflicts related to identity and recognition as facets of cultural differences. Further discussed are Western models of third party intervention, inviting readers to examine the values and assumptions underlying them. Challenges inherent in developing appropriate processes will be discussed. Concluding the article are recommendations for process design in culturally complex conflicts.

Keywords: Conflict resolution, Culture, Inter-cultural communication

Suggested Citation

LeBaron, Michelle, Transforming Cultural Conflict in an Age of Complexity (2000). Berlin: Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management, 2000 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1865490

Michelle LeBaron (Contact Author)

University of British Columbia - Faculty of Law ( email )

1822 East Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1
Canada

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