Abstract
A society characterised by diversity is often also characterised by patterns of discrimination and division. The manner in which we perceive others as different and our potential for relationship with them is largely determined by the ideological context in which we exist. Dominant discourses impose a particular understanding of the world upon individuals and their attitudes and actions, in turn, reflect and perpetuate the tenets of such a system. In this sense, a circular-causality exists between the local level and the global level in a social system. However, as in other complex systems, a society is dynamic and susceptible to change and the agency of the individual subject within such a system should not be overlooked. Change can be prompted by influences which come from external sources or by changes in the way that components of that system interact This paper suggests that strategic interventions could prompt change on both a ‘local’ and a ’global’ level because of the circular-causality of such a system. We note the shortcomings of the strategy of ‘tolerance’ in facilitating the kind of positive change required in the quest for social cohesion and suggest, as an alternative, the creation of spaces which allow for a meaningful encounter with the ‘other’. In doing so, we draw on a South African university classroom intervention that has proven to be effective at laying bare for students how circular causality works and how agency can be assumed in setting new patterns of thought and behaviour.
Presenters
Sharon RudmanSenior Lecturer, Department of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Nelson Mandela University, Eastern Cape, South Africa Jacqueline Luck
Deputy Dean, Humanities Faculty, Nelson Mandela University, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
DIVERSITY, SOCIAL DIVISIONS, COMPLEX SYSTEMS, CIRCULAR CAUSALITY, SOCIAL COHESION
