Challenges of power asymmetry and justice for problem-solving workshops

摘要

The applicability and effectiveness of problem-solving workshops (PSWs) has been questioned in the case of significant power differences between the parties and in relation to an impartial facilitation role that may be blind to questions of justice in conflict resolution. This article analyzes these challenges in light of the theory of practice and the social-psychological rationale that support PSW methods. These methods attempt to acknowledge and address the challenges of asymmetric conflict, for example by empowering the weaker party, but may not be able to transfer workshop outcomes to policy making given the power realities on the ground. The difficulties of transfer are magnified in situations of power asymmetry wherein the more powerful party is less likely to listen to or act on the outcomes of unofficial interventions. Sadly, without change in the status quo toward greater equality and justice, most intractable, ethno-political conflicts will not be resolved.View full textDownload full textKeywordsethnopolitical conflict, asymmetric conflict, political violence, problem-solving workshops, power asymmetryRelated var addthis_config = { ui_cobrand: "Taylor & Francis Online", services_compact: "citeulike,netvibes,twitter,technorati,delicious,linkedin,facebook,stumbleupon,digg,google,more", pubid: "ra-4dff56cd6bb1830b" }; Add to shortlist Link Permalink http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17467586.2010.520328