Inter-cultural Conflicts: National and Global RightsMediation & Conflict Resolution

“Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”

What makes a better neighbor – fence, or no fence?

How might a wall make a good friend or neighbor?

What makes a better friend or neighbor, a good boundary or good communication?

Boundaries built when people stop respecting each other, listening to each other, or when they are threatened by the other person

“Don’t burn your bridges”

What do bridges do? (physically or figuratively)

When might people want to build a bridge?

What might “bridges” or “fences” symbolize, concerning inter-cultural relations and communication?

Applying these colloquialisms to national issues:

Communication and Inter-cultural Conflict

When people stop listening to each other, or treating each other with respect, miscommunication may occur

Miscommunication can lead to feelings of frustration or disrespect, which in turn leads to conflict or aggression

What happens next?

Communication and Cultural Taxonomy

Shalom Schwartz’s Cultural Taxonomy: three problems all cultures must solve

Preferences for relationships and boundaries – individuals and small groups

How people organize and coordinate their activities, concerning needs of larger groups

Orientation to social and natural resources

Communication and Cultural Taxonomy

Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Taxonomy: six dimensions of cultures

Power Distance

Uncertainty Avoidance

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Time Orientation

Indulgence vs. Restraint

If miscommunication is recognized and stopped, conflict may be resolved Disrespect >> Respect

Censorship >> Free Speech

Prejudice >> Tolerance

Not Listening >> Communication

Peer Pressure >> Confidence

Rivalry >> Cooperation

Indifference >> Compassion

For Next Class

Bring in a news article detailing an international conflict

NEXT WEDNESDAY 4/15: National Center for Civil and Human Rights

$10 Admission

Please read article posted on blog