In addition to legal constraints and social-psychological barriers, in a post-conflict setting mu... more In addition to legal constraints and social-psychological barriers, in a post-conflict setting mutually beneficial economic transactions might not occur due to the widening gap between the health, quality, and environmental standards of the parties. A lack of incentives during the years of conflict prevent the members of the weaker party, the one economically isolated from the rest of the world, from engaging in the collective learning necessary to upgrade the health and packaging standards of their commodities. In this study, we detail the technical, political, and legal challenges external actors must consider in order to successfully help small businesses in a post-conflict environment. Specifically, we explain how the EU helped Turkish Cypriot beekeepers by supplying funds to support training and educational programs, and upgrade the equipment used by the beekeepers. We demonstrate that third parties, like the EU, can provide the impetus for domestic institutions—such as produce...
This paper investigates if intergroup contact can improve relations between mestizos and indigeno... more This paper investigates if intergroup contact can improve relations between mestizos and indigenous people in Mexico City. Results show that quality of contact with indigenous people is associated with increased support for pro indigenous policies and more willingness to engage in collective action to improve the conditions for indigenous via improved attitudes, mestizo identity, and solidarity with indigenous people. Those who reported to have a better quality intergroup contact a)identify as mestizo more; b) reported more solidarity with indigenous; and c) have more positive attitude toward indigenous. In return, these are associated with more support for pro-indigenous policies and more willingness to engage in collective action to improve the conditions for the indigenous.
The COVIDiSTRESS global survey collects data on early human responses to the 2020 COVID-19 pandem... more The COVIDiSTRESS global survey collects data on early human responses to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic from 173 429 respondents in 48 countries. The open science study was co-designed by an international consortium of researchers to investigate how psychological responses differ across countries and cultures, and how this has impacted behaviour, coping and trust in government efforts to slow the spread of the virus. Starting in March 2020, COVIDiSTRESS leveraged the convenience of unpaid online recruitment to generate public data. The objective of the present analysis is to understand relationships between psychological responses in the early months of global coronavirus restrictions and help understand how different government measures succeed or fail in changing public behaviour. There were variations between and within countries. Although Western Europeans registered as more concerned over COVID-19, more stressed, and having slightly more trust in the governments' efforts, there...
The article focuses on Greek Cypriot internally displaced persons and their attitudes towards the... more The article focuses on Greek Cypriot internally displaced persons and their attitudes towards the island’s reunification talks. We utilize quantitative data from two representative sample surveys, conducted in 2016–2017, which probed respondents on their views on territorial readjustments, property provisions and power-sharing. Contrary to the current findings in the literature, internally displaced persons status is associated with higher levels of support for a negotiated peace settlement. The article examines the impact of anticipated threats and economic opportunities accompanying a settlement and suggests a set of institutionalized mechanisms to incorporate the views of internally displaced persons and other disadvantaged groups in future reunification talks.
In spite of the harsh conditions that refugees of conflicts experience for many years in exile in... more In spite of the harsh conditions that refugees of conflicts experience for many years in exile in developing countries, there is evidence showing that refugees of conflict help each other. This study aimed to explore one possible mechanism underlying such support and sought to answer three main research questions: Do refugees share an emergent identity that facilitates support among them (similar to people affected by disasters)? Does this identity-based support have an impact on their health? If so, does this positive impact help to mitigate the negative effect of exile stressors on refugees' health? We carried out two questionnaire surveys among Syrian refugees, first in Turkey (n = 234) and then in Jordan (n = 156). The data were analysed using path analysis to test hypotheses and build a theoretical model. We found evidence suggesting a process of shared social identity-based support among the refugees. We found that the general health of refugees to be predicted mainly by stress, but we also found that collective efficacy has a positive association with health, which suggests a buffering effect. These results shed light on the process of social support among refugees of war and suggest the role of shared identity, which can have a limited buffering effect on the health of the refugees, though not enough to fully mitigate the negative effect of secondary stressors. However, we suggest that such a process can be utilised as base for interventions that approach refugees of war as a group (i.e. at community rather than individual level).
In a dialogue gaining momentum between historians and social psychologists (Knights, 2012) it was... more In a dialogue gaining momentum between historians and social psychologists (Knights, 2012) it was recently suggested that bridges between the two fields can be built by taking the following themes as points of connection: the nature of modernity; collective memory and the uses of the past, political discourse and ideologies, partisanship, the public sphere and languages and images. It could be argued that oral history stands in a privileged position to engage all these issues at once owing to its particular stance at the interface of the individual and society in the nexus of past, present and future. This is exactly the focus adopted by one of the most prominent perspectives on European social psychology that of Social Representations Theory (henceforth SRT) proposed in the early 60s by Serge Moscovici (Moscovici, 1961/2008)...
This chapter explores the relationships between different levels and different categories of soci... more This chapter explores the relationships between different levels and different categories of social identity, intergroup contact, and various health-related measures among a sample of mestizos (i.e. people of combined European and Native American descent) and a different sample of indigenous people in Mexico as well as indigenous and non-indigenous samples in Chile. In theoretical terms, we build on two connected theories: social identity theory (SIT; Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and self-categorisation theory (SCT ; Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher, & Wetherell, 1987). SIT posited a distinction between personal and social identity. People derive the latter primarily from group memberships (e.g. gender, ethnic group, nationality) and generally strive for a positive social identity, which can be achieved by means of favourable comparisons with relevant out-groups. In certain cases, this in-group bias can lead to prejudice, stereotyping, infrahumanisation, and discrimination against out-groups. Relatedly, SCT proposes categorisation of the self at different levels of abstraction (personal, group, humanity, etc.) and points out that the group and its norms become a frame of reference of how to behave for its members. In Mexico and Chile important identities are based on ethnicity (mestizo or non-indigenous Chilean vs. indigenous; subordinate level) and nationality (Mexican or Chilean; superordinate level). A more inclusive superordinate level of identifi cation
Using a sample of Bosnian adults (N 381) we investigated the association between intergroup con... more Using a sample of Bosnian adults (N 381) we investigated the association between intergroup contact, measures of intergroup relations, and mental health. Structural equation models with latent variables showed that postwar contact had beneficial effects, being positively related to outgroup trust and intergroup forgiveness, and negatively associated with social distance. Moreover, postwar contact had indirect effects on reduced morbidity and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms via increased intergroup forgiveness and reduced social distance. We also analyzed the role of potential inhibitors and facilitators of the beneficial effects of postwar contact, and found that experience of violence played a detrimental role, while prewar contact was related to positive outcomes. Moderation analyses revealed the interactive effects of prewar and postwar contact, as positive effects of present-day contact on intergroup relations (promoting trust and reducing social distance) were strongest when prewar contact was high. Conversely, postwar contact was positively associated with outgroup trust only for respondents with low levels of experience of violence. Findings underline the value of promoting intergroup contact in postconflict settings.
Research on the contact hypothesis has highlighted the role of contact in improving intergroup re... more Research on the contact hypothesis has highlighted the role of contact in improving intergroup relations. Most of this research has addressed the problem of transforming the prejudices of historically advantaged communities, thereby eroding wider patterns of discrimination and inequality. In the present research, drawing on evidence from a cross-sectional survey conducted in New Delhi, we explored an alternative process through which contact may promote social change, namely by fostering political solidarity and empowerment amongst the disadvantaged. The results indicated that Muslim studentsˈ experiences of contact with other disadvantaged communities were associated with their willingness to participate in joint collective action to reduce shared inequalities. This relationship was mediated by perceptions of collective efficacy and shared historical grievances and moderated by positive experiences of contact with the Hindu majority. Implications for recent debates about the relationship between contact and social change are discussed.
In order to understand when and why social change occurs, we must first
understand the psychologi... more In order to understand when and why social change occurs, we must first understand the psychological processes that lead people to act in ways that sustain or challenge the status quo. This chapter discusses two psychological models of social change: a prejudice reduction model, focused on getting people to like one another more, and a collective action model, focused on political mobilization. Recent research on these models has highlighted some fundamental – and some would say irreconcilable - points of tension between them. Our chapter not only explores this emerging debate, but also proposes a resolution that seeks to transcend a simple ‘prejudice reduction versus collective action’ formulation. We argue that the efficacy of any psychological model of change is contextually contingent. This means that generic frameworks for understanding change must be complemented by historical and sociological analysis of local patterns of discrimination. In certain contexts, prejudice reduction may improve intergroup relations, notably by encouraging the historically advantaged to treat others better. In other contexts, the project of getting us to like one another more may distract from, or even impede, the more important project of mobilizing the disadvantaged to challenge the status quo.
Two studies investigated the role of perceived realistic and symbolic threats in predicting colle... more Two studies investigated the role of perceived realistic and symbolic threats in predicting collective action tendencies, and in mediating effects of intergroup contact and social identity on collective action in the context of an intractable conflict. Extending earlier research on collective action, integrated threat theory, and intergroup contact theory, we tested whether realistic and symbolic threats would predict collective action tendencies and outgroup attitudes; and mediate the effects of intergroup contact and social identity on collective action tendencies and outgroup attitudes among the advantaged, Turks, and the disadvantaged, Kurds. Findings from both studies (Study 1, N = 289 Turks; Study 2, N=209 Kurds) supported the predictive and mediating role of threats on collective action tendencies and outgroup attitudes. Overall findings suggest that advantaged and disadvantaged groups might not always have disparate psychologies regarding collective action and incorporating perceived threats as antecedents of collective action can help to explain collective action tendencies among both groups especially in conflictual contexts.
The core of social identity theory is that individuals define themselves in terms of the groups t... more The core of social identity theory is that individuals define themselves in terms of the groups that they have strong ties with. In this chapter we seek to explore the circumstances in which individuals have multiple identities that are similar in certain dimensions but fundamentally distinct in others. Yet how such double edged affiliations, such as being Cypriot, Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, Greek or Turkish, inform the intergroup relations is not clear. In this chapter we discuss the conditions underlying such complex affiliations and the relevant processes in the relatively complex context of Cyprus. We first discuss the historical background of the Cyprus conflict, the role of major stakeholders in this conflict, and the current state of affairs. Against this backdrop, we elaborate on the social-psychological dimensions of identity politics and how identity politics relate to the existing identities on the island. We then review the findings from our research and from other scholarly work. We conclude by a discussion of various forms of identification, germane to the Cyprus context and their relation to intergroup relations in Cyprus.
In addition to legal constraints and social-psychological barriers, in a post-conflict setting mu... more In addition to legal constraints and social-psychological barriers, in a post-conflict setting mutually beneficial economic transactions might not occur due to the widening gap between the health, quality, and environmental standards of the parties. A lack of incentives during the years of conflict prevent the members of the weaker party, the one economically isolated from the rest of the world, from engaging in the collective learning necessary to upgrade the health and packaging standards of their commodities. In this study, we detail the technical, political, and legal challenges external actors must consider in order to successfully help small businesses in a post-conflict environment. Specifically, we explain how the EU helped Turkish Cypriot beekeepers by supplying funds to support training and educational programs, and upgrade the equipment used by the beekeepers. We demonstrate that third parties, like the EU, can provide the impetus for domestic institutions—such as produce...
This paper investigates if intergroup contact can improve relations between mestizos and indigeno... more This paper investigates if intergroup contact can improve relations between mestizos and indigenous people in Mexico City. Results show that quality of contact with indigenous people is associated with increased support for pro indigenous policies and more willingness to engage in collective action to improve the conditions for indigenous via improved attitudes, mestizo identity, and solidarity with indigenous people. Those who reported to have a better quality intergroup contact a)identify as mestizo more; b) reported more solidarity with indigenous; and c) have more positive attitude toward indigenous. In return, these are associated with more support for pro-indigenous policies and more willingness to engage in collective action to improve the conditions for the indigenous.
The COVIDiSTRESS global survey collects data on early human responses to the 2020 COVID-19 pandem... more The COVIDiSTRESS global survey collects data on early human responses to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic from 173 429 respondents in 48 countries. The open science study was co-designed by an international consortium of researchers to investigate how psychological responses differ across countries and cultures, and how this has impacted behaviour, coping and trust in government efforts to slow the spread of the virus. Starting in March 2020, COVIDiSTRESS leveraged the convenience of unpaid online recruitment to generate public data. The objective of the present analysis is to understand relationships between psychological responses in the early months of global coronavirus restrictions and help understand how different government measures succeed or fail in changing public behaviour. There were variations between and within countries. Although Western Europeans registered as more concerned over COVID-19, more stressed, and having slightly more trust in the governments' efforts, there...
The article focuses on Greek Cypriot internally displaced persons and their attitudes towards the... more The article focuses on Greek Cypriot internally displaced persons and their attitudes towards the island’s reunification talks. We utilize quantitative data from two representative sample surveys, conducted in 2016–2017, which probed respondents on their views on territorial readjustments, property provisions and power-sharing. Contrary to the current findings in the literature, internally displaced persons status is associated with higher levels of support for a negotiated peace settlement. The article examines the impact of anticipated threats and economic opportunities accompanying a settlement and suggests a set of institutionalized mechanisms to incorporate the views of internally displaced persons and other disadvantaged groups in future reunification talks.
In spite of the harsh conditions that refugees of conflicts experience for many years in exile in... more In spite of the harsh conditions that refugees of conflicts experience for many years in exile in developing countries, there is evidence showing that refugees of conflict help each other. This study aimed to explore one possible mechanism underlying such support and sought to answer three main research questions: Do refugees share an emergent identity that facilitates support among them (similar to people affected by disasters)? Does this identity-based support have an impact on their health? If so, does this positive impact help to mitigate the negative effect of exile stressors on refugees' health? We carried out two questionnaire surveys among Syrian refugees, first in Turkey (n = 234) and then in Jordan (n = 156). The data were analysed using path analysis to test hypotheses and build a theoretical model. We found evidence suggesting a process of shared social identity-based support among the refugees. We found that the general health of refugees to be predicted mainly by stress, but we also found that collective efficacy has a positive association with health, which suggests a buffering effect. These results shed light on the process of social support among refugees of war and suggest the role of shared identity, which can have a limited buffering effect on the health of the refugees, though not enough to fully mitigate the negative effect of secondary stressors. However, we suggest that such a process can be utilised as base for interventions that approach refugees of war as a group (i.e. at community rather than individual level).
In a dialogue gaining momentum between historians and social psychologists (Knights, 2012) it was... more In a dialogue gaining momentum between historians and social psychologists (Knights, 2012) it was recently suggested that bridges between the two fields can be built by taking the following themes as points of connection: the nature of modernity; collective memory and the uses of the past, political discourse and ideologies, partisanship, the public sphere and languages and images. It could be argued that oral history stands in a privileged position to engage all these issues at once owing to its particular stance at the interface of the individual and society in the nexus of past, present and future. This is exactly the focus adopted by one of the most prominent perspectives on European social psychology that of Social Representations Theory (henceforth SRT) proposed in the early 60s by Serge Moscovici (Moscovici, 1961/2008)...
This chapter explores the relationships between different levels and different categories of soci... more This chapter explores the relationships between different levels and different categories of social identity, intergroup contact, and various health-related measures among a sample of mestizos (i.e. people of combined European and Native American descent) and a different sample of indigenous people in Mexico as well as indigenous and non-indigenous samples in Chile. In theoretical terms, we build on two connected theories: social identity theory (SIT; Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and self-categorisation theory (SCT ; Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher, & Wetherell, 1987). SIT posited a distinction between personal and social identity. People derive the latter primarily from group memberships (e.g. gender, ethnic group, nationality) and generally strive for a positive social identity, which can be achieved by means of favourable comparisons with relevant out-groups. In certain cases, this in-group bias can lead to prejudice, stereotyping, infrahumanisation, and discrimination against out-groups. Relatedly, SCT proposes categorisation of the self at different levels of abstraction (personal, group, humanity, etc.) and points out that the group and its norms become a frame of reference of how to behave for its members. In Mexico and Chile important identities are based on ethnicity (mestizo or non-indigenous Chilean vs. indigenous; subordinate level) and nationality (Mexican or Chilean; superordinate level). A more inclusive superordinate level of identifi cation
Using a sample of Bosnian adults (N 381) we investigated the association between intergroup con... more Using a sample of Bosnian adults (N 381) we investigated the association between intergroup contact, measures of intergroup relations, and mental health. Structural equation models with latent variables showed that postwar contact had beneficial effects, being positively related to outgroup trust and intergroup forgiveness, and negatively associated with social distance. Moreover, postwar contact had indirect effects on reduced morbidity and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms via increased intergroup forgiveness and reduced social distance. We also analyzed the role of potential inhibitors and facilitators of the beneficial effects of postwar contact, and found that experience of violence played a detrimental role, while prewar contact was related to positive outcomes. Moderation analyses revealed the interactive effects of prewar and postwar contact, as positive effects of present-day contact on intergroup relations (promoting trust and reducing social distance) were strongest when prewar contact was high. Conversely, postwar contact was positively associated with outgroup trust only for respondents with low levels of experience of violence. Findings underline the value of promoting intergroup contact in postconflict settings.
Research on the contact hypothesis has highlighted the role of contact in improving intergroup re... more Research on the contact hypothesis has highlighted the role of contact in improving intergroup relations. Most of this research has addressed the problem of transforming the prejudices of historically advantaged communities, thereby eroding wider patterns of discrimination and inequality. In the present research, drawing on evidence from a cross-sectional survey conducted in New Delhi, we explored an alternative process through which contact may promote social change, namely by fostering political solidarity and empowerment amongst the disadvantaged. The results indicated that Muslim studentsˈ experiences of contact with other disadvantaged communities were associated with their willingness to participate in joint collective action to reduce shared inequalities. This relationship was mediated by perceptions of collective efficacy and shared historical grievances and moderated by positive experiences of contact with the Hindu majority. Implications for recent debates about the relationship between contact and social change are discussed.
In order to understand when and why social change occurs, we must first
understand the psychologi... more In order to understand when and why social change occurs, we must first understand the psychological processes that lead people to act in ways that sustain or challenge the status quo. This chapter discusses two psychological models of social change: a prejudice reduction model, focused on getting people to like one another more, and a collective action model, focused on political mobilization. Recent research on these models has highlighted some fundamental – and some would say irreconcilable - points of tension between them. Our chapter not only explores this emerging debate, but also proposes a resolution that seeks to transcend a simple ‘prejudice reduction versus collective action’ formulation. We argue that the efficacy of any psychological model of change is contextually contingent. This means that generic frameworks for understanding change must be complemented by historical and sociological analysis of local patterns of discrimination. In certain contexts, prejudice reduction may improve intergroup relations, notably by encouraging the historically advantaged to treat others better. In other contexts, the project of getting us to like one another more may distract from, or even impede, the more important project of mobilizing the disadvantaged to challenge the status quo.
Two studies investigated the role of perceived realistic and symbolic threats in predicting colle... more Two studies investigated the role of perceived realistic and symbolic threats in predicting collective action tendencies, and in mediating effects of intergroup contact and social identity on collective action in the context of an intractable conflict. Extending earlier research on collective action, integrated threat theory, and intergroup contact theory, we tested whether realistic and symbolic threats would predict collective action tendencies and outgroup attitudes; and mediate the effects of intergroup contact and social identity on collective action tendencies and outgroup attitudes among the advantaged, Turks, and the disadvantaged, Kurds. Findings from both studies (Study 1, N = 289 Turks; Study 2, N=209 Kurds) supported the predictive and mediating role of threats on collective action tendencies and outgroup attitudes. Overall findings suggest that advantaged and disadvantaged groups might not always have disparate psychologies regarding collective action and incorporating perceived threats as antecedents of collective action can help to explain collective action tendencies among both groups especially in conflictual contexts.
The core of social identity theory is that individuals define themselves in terms of the groups t... more The core of social identity theory is that individuals define themselves in terms of the groups that they have strong ties with. In this chapter we seek to explore the circumstances in which individuals have multiple identities that are similar in certain dimensions but fundamentally distinct in others. Yet how such double edged affiliations, such as being Cypriot, Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, Greek or Turkish, inform the intergroup relations is not clear. In this chapter we discuss the conditions underlying such complex affiliations and the relevant processes in the relatively complex context of Cyprus. We first discuss the historical background of the Cyprus conflict, the role of major stakeholders in this conflict, and the current state of affairs. Against this backdrop, we elaborate on the social-psychological dimensions of identity politics and how identity politics relate to the existing identities on the island. We then review the findings from our research and from other scholarly work. We conclude by a discussion of various forms of identification, germane to the Cyprus context and their relation to intergroup relations in Cyprus.
Geçen haftaki yazımızda insanların zeka ve yeteneklere bakış açılarının başarıya olan etkisini ir... more Geçen haftaki yazımızda insanların zeka ve yeteneklere bakış açılarının başarıya olan etkisini irdelemiştik. Kısaca zeka ve yetenekleri değiştirilip geliştirilebilir kavramlar olarak gören bireylerin hayatın tüm alanlarında daha başarılı ve daha mutlu olduklarını yazdık. Bu hafta da sohbetimize durağan bakış açısının nasıl gelişime açık bakış açısına dönüştürülebileceğini konuşarak devam edelim. Carol Dweck'e göre durağan bakış açısının gelişime açık bakış açısına dönüşmesinin temelinde bireylerin günlük yaşamlarında yüzyüze kaldıkları olgulara değerlendirme yöntemi var. Bu güne kadar yapılan araştırmalarda durağan bakış açısına sahip insanların bu tip değerlendirmeleri yaparken belli başlı birkaç tavır takındıkları görülmüşç Bunlardan bir tanesi bu tip insanların karşılaştıkları her bilgi parçacığını yaşadıkları her olayı iyi-kötü ekseninde değerlendirmesi. Örneğin sınavda beklediğinden düşük not alan bir öğrencinin sınavı 'berbat' aldığı not sonucunda kendini 'rezil olmuş, bitmiş, mahvolmuş' olarak değerlendirmesi gibi. Öte yandan gelişime açık bakış açısına sahip bireyler ise gündelik yaşamları boyunca karşılaştıkları olaylara 'bu olaydan ne öğrenebilirim' veya ' bu olay veya bu bilgiyi benim gelişimim doğrultusunda nasıl kullanabilirim' tarzında yaklaşıyorlar. Yani iyi-kötü veya olumlu-olumsuz değerlendirmesine girmeden. Özetle işin bütün sırrı değerlendirme yapmadan yaşanılan her olaydan birşey öğrenmeye çalışmakta. Durağan bakış açısına sahip insanların bir diğer özelliği de kendilerin değil çevrelerinde olup bitenlerin ve çevrelerindeki insanların değişmek zorunda olduklarına inanmaları. Başka bir deyişle bu tip bireyler çevrelerindeki insanlardan kendilerinin 'ne kadar özel, ne kadar harika, ne kadar zeki ' olduklarını anlamalarını ve kendilerine o şekilde davranmalarını beklerler. Örneğin geçenlerde 'genç, dinamik, süper eğitimli, milyon tane lisan bilen' bir politikacımızın kendisiyle yapılan bir söyleşide 'mezun olduğu okulun o kadar iyi bir okul olduğunu ve o okulu bitirenlere dünyanın heryerinde bütün kapıların ardına kadar açıldığını Kıbrısta da böyle olması gerektiğini ama aksine kimsenin kendisinin değerini bilmediğini ' okudum. Yorumunu size bırakıyorum! Yazıyı okurken 'ee haklı burda herşeyin baş torpil' dediğinizi duyar gibi oluyorum ve bir noktaya kadar size hak veriyorum. Evet ülkemiz belki de fırsat eşitliği veya eğitime değer verilmesi açısından çok iyi bir yerde değil ama yine de dünyanın değerimizi bilmediğini düşünmek ve çevremizdeki insanlarda bizim üstünlüğümüz karşısında el pençe divan durmalarını beklemek birazcık fazla iddialı değil mi sizce? Uzmanlara göre bakış açısını dolayısıyla değiştirmenin ilk adımı işte bu yukarıda değindiğimiz ve aslında gündelik yaşamda pek de üstünde durmadığımız bu özellikleri farkına varmakla başlıyor.
Böyle bir başlığın arkasından herhalde 'yiyin için keyfinize bakın' tarzında birşey geleceğini dü... more Böyle bir başlığın arkasından herhalde 'yiyin için keyfinize bakın' tarzında birşey geleceğini düşündünüz. Ne yazık ki size böyle bir telkinde bulunmaya vicdanım elvermiyor. 2008 de dünya genelinde yapılan bir araştırmaya göre 1998 yılında toplam dünya nüfusun % 23 ü fazla kilolu.iken bu oran 2008 de %34 e yükselmiş. Bu artışın nerdeyse tamamı gelişmekte olan ülkelerde gerçekleşmiş.
1 Minnet Duygusu, Çocuklarımız ve Tüketim Yılbaşı ya da senebaşı geldi geçti. Hediyeler alındı ve... more 1 Minnet Duygusu, Çocuklarımız ve Tüketim Yılbaşı ya da senebaşı geldi geçti. Hediyeler alındı verildi. Ertesi gün kıtlık baş gösterecekmiş gibi yenildi içildi. Afiyet olsun! Sağlığımız da yerinde ise hayat güzel.
1 Kazın Ayağı Öyle mi? Veya Algılarımız ve Yanılgılarımız İngiltere'nin en büyük kamuoyu araştırm... more 1 Kazın Ayağı Öyle mi? Veya Algılarımız ve Yanılgılarımız İngiltere'nin en büyük kamuoyu araştırma şirketi olan Ipsos Mori geçtiğimiz günlerde kamuoyu ile paylaştığı araştırma sonuçlarında özellikle sosyal psikologlar tarafından çok iyi bilinen ama halk arasında pek de kabul edilmeyen bir noktayı gözler önüne serdi: herhangi bir konuya olan tutumlar ve realite arasındaki uçurum. Ipsos Mori'nin açıkladığı sonuçlara göre, İngiltere ve Galler'de yaşayan insanların toplumu ilgilendiren temel sosyal konulardaki tutum ve düşünceleri ile bu konuların reel durumları arasında büyük farklar var. Bunlardan belki de en ilginç olanı, ülkede toplam nüfus içerisinde göçmenlerin ve dini azınlıkların payı. Ipsos Mori'nin ülke çapında yaptığı araştırmaya göre, İngilizlerülkedeki nüfusun % 31'ini göçmenlerin oluşturduğuna inanıyor. Oysa gerçek oran, yasadışı göçmenleri de kattığımızda zar zor %15 e yaklaşıyor. Aynı yanılgı, ülke nüfusunda Siyahların ve Asyalıların i payı konusunda da mevcut. Bu iki etnik azınlık nüfusun ancak %14'ünü oluştururken, genel kanı bu iki grubun İngiltere nüfusunun %30'nu teşkil ettiği yönünde. Algılar ve reel sayılar arasındaki uçurum, mensup olunan din konusunda da çok derin. Şöyle ki, halk arasında yaygın olan kanıya göre İngiltere ve Galler nüfusunun % 24'unu Müslümanlar oluştururken, Hristiyanlar ülkede azınlık durumunda ve nüfusun sadece %25'ni oluşturuyorlar. Reel verilere baktığımızda ise bunun tam tersi bir durum söz konusu. Müslümanlar toplam nüfusun sadece %5'i, evet, yanlış okumadınız sadece %5'i oranındalar. Kendini Hristiyan olarak tanımlayanların toplam nüfusdaki oranı ise, sıkı durun, tamı tamına %59. Yani sanılanın iki katından fazla. Halk arasında yaygın ama yanlış kanılardan bir diğeri de dış ülkelere yapılan mali yardımlar konusunda. İngiltere bütçesinde dış yardımlara ayrılan miktar 7.9 milyar sterlin iken, halk arasında dış yardımlara ayrılan para miktarının Emeklilik fonlarına (74 milyar) ve Eğitime (51.5 milyar sterlin) ayrılan paradan daha fazla olduğu gibi yaygın ve gerçeği yansıtmayan bir kanı mevcut. Yani verilere baktığımızda, kazın ayağının İngilizlerin düşündüğü gibi olmadığı anlaşılıyor. İnsanın davranış, tutum ve düşüncelerinin çevrelerindeki diğer insanlardan nasıl etkilendiğini araştıran sosyal psikologlara göre kazın ayağının öyle olmamasının, yani algılarımız ve realite arasındaki farkların temelinde, insanın çevresinde olup bitenleri anlamak için kullanabileceği zihinsel kaynakların sınırlı olması var. Bu nedenle, olaylar arasında sebeb-sonuç ilişkisi kurarken veya çevremizdeki olayları yorumlarken farkında olmadan birtakım kestirme yollara başvuruyoruz. Örneğin bilgimiz olmayan bir konuyla ilgili tutumumuzu o andaki ruh halimiz, ebeveynlerimiz, arkadaşlarımız, diğer önem verdiğimiz insanlar belirleyebilir. Ya da o konuya veya olaya olan tutumumuzu, konu hakkında hiçbir bilgimiz olmadan tamamıyla genel politik duruşumuza göre Havadis-Poli 05.01.2012 http://www.havadiskibris.com/Ekler/poli/160/kazin-ayagioyle-mi-veya-algilarimiz-ve-yanilgilarimiz/1161 2 belirleyebiliriz. Veya daha da kestirmeden gidip, o konuda uzman olduğunu düşündüğümüz birisinin veya bir kurumun görüşünü benimseyebiliriz. Bu da bizim herhangi bir konuda tutumlarımızın rasyonel ve tarafsız bir değerlendirmeden çok duygusal olarak ve sosyal etkileşim yoluyla oluştuğunu gösteriyor. Bu durumu nüfus gibi, devlet harcamaları gibi, dini konular gibi sosyal ve ekonomik konular hakkında sağlıklı ve tarafsız verilere ulaşmanın zor hatta imkansız olduğu bizim gibi ülkeler kapsamında değerlendirdiğimizde, ortaya çok vahim bi durum çıkıyor. Bakalım nasıl?. Göçmenlerin toplam nüfusa oranı, farklı dini yönelimlerin toplam nüfus içindeki oranı, veya eğitim, emekli maaşları yada devlet harcamaları gibi çeşitli kalemlere ne kadar bütçe ayrıldığı gibi benzeri konular, Kuzey Kıbrıs'ta da sürekli gündemde. Kıbrıs'ta Ipsos Mori gibi bilimsel yöntemlere dayalı olarak kamuoyu yoklaması yapacak kapasitede bir kurum var mı, yok mu orası tartışılır. Keza halkın bu konudaki algı ve düşüncelerini ölçen kapsamlı bir araştırma, bildiğim kadarıyla yok. Bu konularda elimizde referans noktası oluşturacak veriler var mı? Yok. Toplam nüfusumuz konusunda net bir yargıya varmak mümkün mü? Tartışmalı. Toplam nüfusun kaçta kaçını göçmenler oluşturuyor, bunu bilmek olası mı? Hayır. Hadi toplam bütçeyi eni konu biliyoruz ama bu bütçe kapsamında devlet harcamaları ve nereye ne kadar harcandığı konusunda elimizde veriler var mı? Yok. Peki sizler Kuzey Kıbrıs'taki göçmenlerin toplam nüfusa oranı, çeşitli dini yonelimlerin yaygınlığı veya devlet harcamalarının bütçedeki oranı hakkında ne düşünüyorsunuz? Yanıtınız ne olursa olsun, yukarıda değindiğim koşulları göz önünde bulundurduğumuzda tutum ve düşüncelerinizin realiteyi yansıtmama olasılığı var. Yani büyük bir olasılıkla tutumlarınızı sosyal çevreniz, politik görüşünüz, veya saygı ve güven duyduğunuz bir 'uzman veya liderden' etkilenerek oluşturdunuz. Daha pratik bir örnek verelim. Kamuoyunda Türkiye'den getirilecek su konusunda farklı görüşler var. Kimimiz karşı çıkarken, kimimiz onay veriyor. Ama bu olumlu veya olumsuz tutumun su projesine objektif olduğunu söylemek pek mümkün değil. Değil, çünkü elimizde su projesini enine boyuna masaya yatırmış ne bir rapor ne bir yayın var. Dolayısyla bu konudaki tutumlarımızın da şu veya bu şekilde çeşitli etkiler altında oluşmuş olması kuvvetle muhtemel. Örneğin Biyologlar Derneği'nin yaptığı açıklamaya göre, su projesi kapsamında Geçitköy Barajı'nın büyütülmesi için 1 milyon ton patlayıcı kullanılmış. Geçitköy'de devam eden projeye benzer baraj projelerinde ortalama ne kadar patlayıcı kullanıldığı konusunda bilgim yok. Uzmanlar açıklarsa öğreniriz, ama tarihi kaynaklara göre İkinci Dünya Savaşı sırasında toplam 2 milyon ton, Vietnam savaşında Amerika tarafından tam 7 milyon ton bomba kullanılmış. Uzun lafın kısası, biz öyle zannetsek de algılarımız ve realite çoğu zaman birbirini tutmuyor. Hal böyle olunca da, algılarmız birer yanılgıya dönüşüyor. Diğer konularda durum ne olursa olsun, bir konuda
Çok uygarız (!) Arabalarımız son model. Giyimimiz hep marka. Evlerimiz maşallah çok katlı. Sık sı... more Çok uygarız (!) Arabalarımız son model. Giyimimiz hep marka. Evlerimiz maşallah çok katlı. Sık sık tatile çıkarız. Şimdilerde 'Cruise' veya daha doğrusu lüks gemi yolculukları revaçta. Gerçi tanınmamış bir devletimiz var; ama olsun, biz Avrupa vatandaşıyız… Pasaportsa pasaport. Eğitimse eğitim (!). Yaşam standardıysa yaşam standardı. Paraysa para. Ama gel gelelim bazı konularda biraz eksik kalmışız. Örneğin hala gülebiliyoruz zihinsel engelli bir insanımızın haline. Eğlendiriyor bizi öyle birisinin 'bizim' dünyamıza ilişkin söyledikleri. Haber olabiliyor böyle bir şey veya bir komedi programına malzeme. Pek kanıksamıyoruz bu durumu. Gülüp geçiyoruz. Şaka bir yana! Kendinizi hiç zihinsel engelli birisinin veya ailesinde zihinsel engelli birisi olan bir insanın yerine koymayı denediniz mi? Haydi gelin birlikte deneyelim. Ama önce kafamızı kaldırıp mandıranın ötesine bir bakalım ve görelim mandıranın dışındaki insanlar bu konuda neler yapmış: Zihinsel veya değil engelli bireyin ayrımcılığa uğraması veya istismar edilmesi bütün Avrupa ülkelerinde suç sayılmakta örneğin. Hatta bazı ülkeler, örneğin İrlanda, daha da ileri giderek hangi engellilerin hangi haklara sahip olduğunu da düzenlemiş. Mesela otizim gibi etkisi çok uzun süren ve insanların yaşamlarını ve sağlıklı sosyal ilişkiler kurmalarını engelleyn hastalıklar da engelli sayılmış Neden derseniz evvela baştan bu bir insan hakları ihlali. İkincisi ise insanların hangi nedenle olursa olsun engelli olduklarında dolayı ayrımcılığa uğramaları veya bu engellilik durumundan dolayı istismar edilmelerinin zihinsel engelli veya değil o bireyin ailesi ve yakınları üzerindeki kısa ve uzun vadedeki etkileri. Zihinsel engelli bir bireyin ve sosyal ortamda yaşadığı çeşitli zorluklara rağmen herhangi bir ortamda engelli halinin şu veya bu nedenle ön plana çıkarılmasını anlayacak kapasitede olabilir. Kendisi bu konumda değilse muhakkak ona yakın olan birisi bunu anlayabilir. İşte bu engelli olunmasından dolayı farklı muamele görme durumu gerek birey üzerinde gerekse bireyin yakınları üzerinde onulmaz etkiler bırakabilir. Bir şekilde ön plana çıkarılmak ve diğer insanlardan farklı olduğunun vurgulanması sonucunda, zihinsel olsun ya da olmasın, her türlü engelli ve aileleri bu durumlarından utanç duyabilir. İçinde bulundukları durumdan dolayı kendilerini suçlayabilir ve kendi kendilerini toplumun veya ailenin istenmeyen kişisi olduklarını düşünebilirler. Engelli olmanın sosyal ortamlarda veya medyada öne çıkarılması ile bu bireyler ve aileleri kendilerini toplumdan izole etme
In order to understand when and why social change occurs, we must first understand the psychologi... more In order to understand when and why social change occurs, we must first understand the psychological processes that lead people to act in ways that sustain or challenge the status quo. This chapter discusses two psychological models of social change: a prejudice reduction model, focused on getting people to like one another more, and a collective action model, focused on political mobilization. Recent research on these models has highlighted some fundamental – and some would say irreconcilable - points of tension between them. Our chapter not only explores this emerging debate, but also proposes a resolution that seeks to transcend a simple ‘prejudice reduction versus collective action’ formulation. We argue that the efficacy of any psychological model of change is contextually contingent. This means that generic frameworks for understanding change must be complemented by historical and sociological analysis of local patterns of discrimination. In certain contexts, prejudice reduction may improve intergroup relations, notably by encouraging the historically advantaged to treat others better. In other contexts, the project of getting us to like one another more may distract from, or even impede, the more important project of mobilizing the disadvantaged to challenge the status quo.
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Papers by Huseyin Cakal
measures of intergroup relations, and mental health. Structural equation models with latent variables
showed that postwar contact had beneficial effects, being positively related to outgroup trust and
intergroup forgiveness, and negatively associated with social distance. Moreover, postwar contact had
indirect effects on reduced morbidity and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms via increased intergroup
forgiveness and reduced social distance. We also analyzed the role of potential inhibitors and
facilitators of the beneficial effects of postwar contact, and found that experience of violence played a
detrimental role, while prewar contact was related to positive outcomes. Moderation analyses revealed
the interactive effects of prewar and postwar contact, as positive effects of present-day contact on
intergroup relations (promoting trust and reducing social distance) were strongest when prewar contact
was high. Conversely, postwar contact was positively associated with outgroup trust only for respondents
with low levels of experience of violence. Findings underline the value of promoting intergroup contact
in postconflict settings.
understand the psychological processes that lead people to act in ways that sustain
or challenge the status quo. This chapter discusses two psychological models of
social change: a prejudice reduction model, focused on getting people to like one
another more, and a collective action model, focused on political mobilization.
Recent research on these models has highlighted some fundamental – and some
would say irreconcilable - points of tension between them. Our chapter not only
explores this emerging debate, but also proposes a resolution that seeks to
transcend a simple ‘prejudice reduction versus collective action’ formulation. We
argue that the efficacy of any psychological model of change is contextually
contingent. This means that generic frameworks for understanding change must be
complemented by historical and sociological analysis of local patterns of
discrimination. In certain contexts, prejudice reduction may improve intergroup
relations, notably by encouraging the historically advantaged to treat others better.
In other contexts, the project of getting us to like one another more may distract
from, or even impede, the more important project of mobilizing the disadvantaged
to challenge the status quo.
from both studies (Study 1, N = 289 Turks; Study 2, N=209 Kurds) supported the predictive and mediating role of threats on collective action tendencies and outgroup attitudes. Overall findings suggest that advantaged and disadvantaged groups might not always have disparate psychologies regarding collective action and incorporating perceived threats as antecedents of collective action can help to explain collective
action tendencies among both groups especially in conflictual contexts.
measures of intergroup relations, and mental health. Structural equation models with latent variables
showed that postwar contact had beneficial effects, being positively related to outgroup trust and
intergroup forgiveness, and negatively associated with social distance. Moreover, postwar contact had
indirect effects on reduced morbidity and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms via increased intergroup
forgiveness and reduced social distance. We also analyzed the role of potential inhibitors and
facilitators of the beneficial effects of postwar contact, and found that experience of violence played a
detrimental role, while prewar contact was related to positive outcomes. Moderation analyses revealed
the interactive effects of prewar and postwar contact, as positive effects of present-day contact on
intergroup relations (promoting trust and reducing social distance) were strongest when prewar contact
was high. Conversely, postwar contact was positively associated with outgroup trust only for respondents
with low levels of experience of violence. Findings underline the value of promoting intergroup contact
in postconflict settings.
understand the psychological processes that lead people to act in ways that sustain
or challenge the status quo. This chapter discusses two psychological models of
social change: a prejudice reduction model, focused on getting people to like one
another more, and a collective action model, focused on political mobilization.
Recent research on these models has highlighted some fundamental – and some
would say irreconcilable - points of tension between them. Our chapter not only
explores this emerging debate, but also proposes a resolution that seeks to
transcend a simple ‘prejudice reduction versus collective action’ formulation. We
argue that the efficacy of any psychological model of change is contextually
contingent. This means that generic frameworks for understanding change must be
complemented by historical and sociological analysis of local patterns of
discrimination. In certain contexts, prejudice reduction may improve intergroup
relations, notably by encouraging the historically advantaged to treat others better.
In other contexts, the project of getting us to like one another more may distract
from, or even impede, the more important project of mobilizing the disadvantaged
to challenge the status quo.
from both studies (Study 1, N = 289 Turks; Study 2, N=209 Kurds) supported the predictive and mediating role of threats on collective action tendencies and outgroup attitudes. Overall findings suggest that advantaged and disadvantaged groups might not always have disparate psychologies regarding collective action and incorporating perceived threats as antecedents of collective action can help to explain collective
action tendencies among both groups especially in conflictual contexts.