CONF 803: MACRO THEORIES OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Professor Ho-Won Jeong
George Mason University
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
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Notes and Disucssions

Identity Formation

The self is constituted both of what one considers oneself to be and what one believes to be 'other'.

Internal self-identification;

Identity is an aspect of the emotional and psychological constitution of individuals.

Emotion is relevant to acknowledging the fluid and fragmented nature of identity.

Identity and Self

Identity is logically and ontologically prior to difference.

The ability to see oneself within a larger context is fundamentally important in providing a sense of wider meaning and purpose - representing, 'a social assertion of the self'.

Identity and group formation

Social identity theory

An individual self-identity is entangled in the relations between groups of people based on sex, class, race and sexuality.

A Primordial Approach

Individuals belong to a group through primordial attachments deriving from objective cultural criteria; common history, traditions, language, beliefs, values.

Primordial ties are particularistic, enduring and potentially infused with passion; and, by definition, their claim upon allegiance is prior to and takes precedence over all other potential sources of identity.

A Social Constructivist Approach

Situational negotiability of identity;

Identity is a product of local contingencies of place and time

Instrumentalism

Motivational forces behind the mobilization of a group;

Instrumental; defined situationally, strategically or tactically manipulable