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The Meaning of Reconciliation

The Meaning of Reconciliation. Dynamics of Reconciliation – Week 2 Dr. David Tombs. Definitions of Reconciliation Oxford English Dictionary. ‘ The action of reconciling persons, or the result of this; the fact of being reconciled’. Definitions of Reconciliation Latin Etymology.

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The Meaning of Reconciliation

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  1. The Meaning of Reconciliation Dynamics of Reconciliation – Week 2 Dr. David Tombs

  2. Definitions of ReconciliationOxford English Dictionary ‘The action of reconciling persons, or the result of this; the fact of being reconciled’

  3. Definitions of ReconciliationLatin Etymology ‘Calling together again’ or ‘Calling back together’ • Re ‘again’; • conciliatio ‘bringing together’ or ‘assembling’ (derived from con = together and calo/calare = to call or summon)

  4. Definitions of ReconciliationSimple definition – Reforming Relationships ‘Reforming’ can cover both ‘re-forming’ relationships (ie re-establishing a good relationship that went bad) and ‘reforming’ ie changing and transforming a relationship that has always been bad.

  5. Definitions of ReconciliationFuller definition Restoring and transforming relationships that have been harmed by conflict, so that they reflect a shared humanity and seek a shared future based on truth, justice, mercy and peace

  6. Definitions of ReconciliationIDEA Handbook [Reconciliation is] ‘a process through which society moves from a divided past to shared future’. From David Bloomfield et al., (eds) Reconciliation After Violent Conflict: A Handbook (Stockholm: IDEA, 2003), p. 12.

  7. Definitions of ReconciliationJohn Paul Lederach ‘Reconciliation can thus be understood as both a focus and a locus. As a perspective, it is built on and oriented toward the relational aspects of a conflict. As a social phenomenon, reconciliation represents a space, a place or location of encounter, where parties to a conflict meet.’ John Paul Lederach, Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies (Washington: USIP, 1997), p. 30.

  8. Definitions of ReconciliationByron Bland ‘reconciliation is ultimately about learning to live together again’ Byron Bland, ‘The Post-Troubles Trouble: The Politics of Reconciliation in Northern Ireland’ (unpublished paper).

  9. Definitions of ReconciliationDemocratic Dialogue ‘Our working hypothesis is that reconciliation is a necessary process following conflict. However, we believe it is a voluntary act and cannot be imposed. It involves five interwoven and related strands:

  10. Definitions of ReconciliationDemocratic Dialogue • developing a shared vision of an interdependent and fair society; • acknowledging and dealing with the past; • building positive relationships; • significant cultural and attitudinal change; • substantial social, economic and political change.’ Brandon Hamber and Gráinne Kelly, A Place for Reconciliation? Conflict and Locality in Northern Ireland (Democratic Dialogue Report 18. Belfast: September, 2005, p. 49.

  11. Reconciliation at different social levels • Personal level • Small Scale (Micro) • Group level • Medium Scale (Meso) • Structural and Societal level • Large Scale (Macro)

  12. Personal level Reconciliation for personal conflicts arising from: • Psychological tensions Intra-personal • Tensions between individuals Inter-personal

  13. The Group Level Reconciliation for group conflicts arising from: • Tensions within the family and wider kin • Tensions between friends • Tensions between colleagues and/or fellow workers • Tensions within local communities • Tensions within voluntary organisations

  14. The Structural and Societal Level Reconciliation for structural and societal conflicts arising from resource competition and/or large group identity issues including: • Ethnicity and race • Religion and culture • Party politics • National identities • Gender • Economic and class differences

  15. Some conceptual clarificationsA spectrum for personal reconciliation For individuals in the aftermath of personal conflict: • Minimal - Able to attend the same events • Moderate - Willingness to speak together and/or work together • Maximal - Positively valuing others and enjoying relations with them

  16. Some conceptual clarificationsA spectrum for societal reconciliation For societies in the aftermath of collective conflict • Minimal - Acceptance of Co-existence • Moderate - Mutual Co-operation • Maximal - Positive Commitment to Sharing Society

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