Chapter 1. A prelude: The urgency of studying the interface of diversity and political tensions.- Chapter 2. Exposition: Engaging intergroup relations in a conflict-ridden society.- Chapter 3. Understanding the interface of diversity and political tensions in the context of divided societies: A multifocal perspective of social psychology and critical theory.- Chapter 4. Case 1: Medical staff engaging diversity at work in turbulent times.- Chapter 5. Case 2: Managing diversity in academia: The voices of staff and students in the midst of active national conflict.- Chapter 6. Case 3: Living in a mixed city in times of political tension.- Chapter 7. The last act: A guide for the perplexed – concluding insights on managing diversity in places and times of political tensions.
Helena Desivilya Syna (PhD) is a social/organizational psychologist and Head of the Sociology/Anthropology Department and the Center for Diversity and Intergroup Conflicts Studies at the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Israel. Her research on social conflict, organizational behavior, and diversity management has been published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. She has also edited a number of books.
“This book offers an interdisciplinary insight into everyday management of diversity in several microcosms: among ethnically mixed medical staff, college students and inhabitants of a large Israeli city. It shows how conflict can ruin everyday relations between Arabs and Jews, and how organizational settings could be effectively used to make intergroup relations more resilient. It is an exciting read not only for researchers but also anyone who wants to better understand Israel and its everyday problems.”
— Michał Bilewicz, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Poland
This book focuses on managing diversity in regions and times of political tensions. Using Israel as an example, the author investigates diversity management in the socio-political context of a protracted national conflict – an area that remains largely unexplored.
Featuring the voices of different protagonists, as well as case studies, the book draws on an intersection between social psychological perspectives and critical sociological theories. This integrative conceptual approach mirrors the professional development of the author, who throughout her career has sought to unravel the enigma of complex human interpersonal and intergroup relations using a multifocal and interdisciplinary lens. This book underlines the need for interdisciplinary work, flexible approaches in dealing with the complexities of human relations and social structures, and an interface between research and practice.
Helena Desivilya Syna (PhD) is a social/organizational psychologist and Head of the Sociology/Anthropology Department and the Center for Diversity and Intergroup Conflicts Studies at the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Israel. Her research on social conflict, organizational behavior, and diversity management has been published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. She has also edited a number of books.