Activty: Cultural conflict, conflict cultures? Discussing a complex relationshipThis is a featured page

In a setting, where Global North and Global South come together, talking about culture and conflict could be a very sensitive topic. Culture is an important part of all our identities. Therefore, this activity provides a way to explore the relation of conflict and culture together with participants.

Purpose:To familiarise participants with the cultural dimension
To explore the "sensitive" topic of culture and conflict with participants
Participants:5 to 20

Time: Up to 90 min.

Materials:Flip charts
Marker Pens
Note books and pens
Process:1. Start by writing "culture" in big letters on a flip chart. You can draw a cloud around it to illustrate that culture is a complex concept that is hard to describe and put in words.

2. Let participants get together in some small groups and brainstorm for 10-15 minutes what they associate with culture and what important elements are.

3. In plenary, gather the groups responses on the flipchart. After having done that, provide the following definition attempt to participants:

“What I mean by culture is the patterning of assumptions about life, its realities and requirements, and intrinsic or accompanying values and norms.” (Diana Francis)

Encourage feedback from participants and try to connect the elements and associations highlighted in group work with the definition.

4. Now, turn the flip chart and write three words: culture, conflict and change. Ask participants to go back into their groups and share stories and experiences where these three terms played a role. Leave 45 min for sharing in the groups.

5. In plenary, you can discuss the following questions:
  • Can culture cause conflict?
  • Does culture change?
  • Can culture help to deal with conflict?
Note:
This activity should take place before introducing the cultural dimension of change to participants.

Handout(s):
Source(s):chachabooth@gmail.com



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Latest page update: made by chachabooth , Aug 15 2009, 4:52 AM EDT (about this update About This Update chachabooth Edited by chachabooth


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