Unpacking the dynamics of communal tensions
Subtitle: a focus group analysis of perceptions among youth in Lebanon
By: Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
Contributors: Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Publisher: United Nations
Published: 2009
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 29
Subjects: Youth; Attitudes; Communalism; Intergroup relations; Cultural pluralism; Ethnicity
Other titles: Focus group analysis of perception among youth in Lebanon
Description: This pilot study on a prevailing trend in Western Asia, namely communal tensions, aims to dismantle the dynamics of communal tensions through a focus group analysis that targets the largest segment of the Arab population: youth between the ages of 18 and 25. Lebanon is used as a case study to steer the debate and increase the understanding of the factors fermenting communal tensions that are the root causes of conflict. The study assesses the perceptions of youth concerning the theme of intercommunal relations, intercommunal special dynamics and the nature of the political system. It reveals an alarming trend of social and territorial enclaves among youth and the distrust and resentment powered by intercommunal stereotyping. The study concludes with a number of recommendations that revolve around curtailing the incessant regeneration of the exclusive and politicized communal identity; de-compartmentalizing intercommunal social relations; addressing the challenges of exclusionary spaces of social relations, and other vital themes that serve to promote social cohesiveness, and peaceful co-existence. Recommendations for future research have also been made. --Preface.
Notes: Discussions among 15 focus groups of young Lebanese (ages 18-25) men & women from Christian, Druze, Sunni, & Shiite communities.

"11 September 2009."

At head of title: "Heinrich Böll Stiftung Middle East."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 26-29).

Also freely available online.