Problem
Sectarianism
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Sectarian tensionSplit tribal urban loyalty
Divisive sectarian loyalties
Social disunity
Estranged neighbourhood relations
Insular patterns of community groupings
Community rivalry
Small group clusterings
Divisive patterns of community groupings
Nature:
Sectarianism is a debated concept. Some scholars and journalists understand it as being pre-existing fixed communal categories in society, and use it to explain political, cultural, or religious conflicts between groups. Others conceive of sectarianism as a set of social practices where daily life is organised on the basis of communal norms and rules that individuals strategically use and transcend. This definition highlights the co-constitutive aspect of sectarianism and people’s agency, as opposed to understanding sectarianism as being fixed and incompatible communal boundaries.
While sectarianism is often labelled as 'religious' and/or 'political', the reality of a sectarian situation is usually much more complex. In its most basic form, sectarianism has been defined as, 'the existence, within a locality, of two or more divided and actively competing communal identities, resulting in a strong sense of dualism which unremittingly transcends commonality, and is both culturally and physically manifest.'
Incidence:
There is a general break-down in the cohesive patterns of life in many small communities. Difficulties arise between the traditional decision-making groups which have remained unchanged for many years and overlapping city and township authorities; this leads to ineffective planning, conflicts over the use of large equipment, and inequitable delivery of utilities and services. Urban mobility and anonymity compound the problem: there is a lack of consensus on standards of behaviour and law enforcement. It is difficult for newcomers to become part of the community life, for there are few regular activities; past failures in sustaining community participation have made people reluctant to try again. Broader Problems:
TensionSocial fragmentationIdeological conflictDeficient communal mandatePolarization of local conflicts Narrower Problems:
Neighbourhood disputesAnti-community attitudesRestrictive social groupsMultiple family jealousiesDisunity in urban villagesWidespread community factionalismInadequate response to societal needsRivalry and disunity within developing regionsSectarian conflictSectarian violence Aggravates:
FactionalismDivided countriesPolitical tensionsFragmented community imageFragmented social responsibilityParent-teacher non-communicationArgumentative community meetingsDeteriorating rural community cooperationDisengagement of citizens from community activitiesUnfair restrictions on membership in international organizations Strategies:
Promoting internationalismEngaging in community rivalryReducing community rivalryEstranging othersMaintaining neighbourhood relationsReducing sectarian tensionSplitting societiesDividing loyaltiesUniting loyalties References:
Lenin, V I: Against Dogmatism and Sectarianism Subject(s):
Society → SocialSociety → Racial, ethnic groups
Society → Communities
Amenities → Urban
Amenities → Neighbourhoods
Psychology → Stress
Design → Patterns
Innovative change → Change
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST