Intergroup Dialogues and Conflict

Over the past several years, the topic of globalization has been an increasing concern across all sectors, including education, economy, and even business. Within this rapid globalization movement, it is not just physical resources that are being transferred, but also social ideas and cultural values. Goods are not just being exchanged via aircraft and courier ships, but also being transported via radio stations and television programming. Many sources tell us that we live in an increasingly media-consumed, sensory-oriented, technology-driven culture. If one simply considers the variance of mass news reporting, from continent to continent,the international import and export industries are not just about products, but also about propaganda. Thus, the information being delivered through media vehicles is able to reach – and affect – a larger audience than ever before.

Essentially, it can be said that social identity has a great impact on communications and conflicts. With increasing diversities in classroom, work places and local communities, these discordant communications are also on the rise. It is from this framework that this workshop will discuss conflict resolution through intergroup dialogues. Intergroup dialogues have been an increasingly effective, intriguing and adaptable form of conflict resolution. Participants will learn about the history and current trends of intergroup dialogues, as well as engage in a series of exercises to both resolve and prevent conflicts.