Ideology and Conflict Ideologies are the core values

Ideology and Conflict § Ideologies are the core values, beliefs of a group § Ideologies are strongly tied to people’s sense of self § Ideologies are in constant flux l values are often in tension l ideologies are constantly being interpreted in the face of changing events l ideologies are more like guiding strategies than sets of unchanging principles Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006

Causes of Ideological Conflict § The perception that one’s core value set/ideology is being challenged or called into question § The belief that someone else’s attempt to adapt an ideology to changing circumstances is a threat to the ideology itself Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006

Ideological and Intractable Conflict § Ideological conflicts often become intractable conflicts l l resistant to being resolved original issues are often lost sight of high defensiveness little open communication Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006

Stages of Intractable Conflict § Threat l l to core sense of self belief that coexistence may not be possible § Distortion l incoming information is distorted to maintain core identity § Rigidification l perceive other as less than oneself to maintain distance and dehumanize § Collusion l both sides come to need the conflict to maintain their identities Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006

How Can You Handle Ideological Conflict? § Seek clarity and agreement on the terms for discussing ideological differences l l do people agree on the same evidence and information? Do people agree to what is authoritative? § Establish ways that a trusting relationship can exist despite ideological differences l l recognize ways that coexistence is possible learn how to control fear of exploitation and loss of self in presence of differences Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006