NCJ Number
95149
Journal
Journal of Conflict Resolution Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1981) Pages: 237-258
Date Published
1981
Length
22 pages
Annotation
A model is used to analyze the social conflict at Moshav Avodah, an Israeli collective community settled by a group of 14 young families from the United States and Canada.
Abstract
After its first 2 years, the community was split into two hostile groups, the 'Reds' and the 'Blues.' The conflict was brought about by incipient differences between two basic categories of the moshav membership; these differences became more acute because of structural differences in the social system. Some tensions arose because of dissonances within the enclave; others were attributable to political and economic problems facing Israel. Relationships eventually became so strained that all areas of the community's functioning were adversely affected, and arguments between the Reds and the Blues led to physical fights and destruction of property. A private organization, the Social Agency, was asked to mediate the conflict; the Agency asked a visiting American professor to serve as the chief consultant in the three-person mediating team. Despite the intensity of the conflict at the time the mediation began, most of the moshav members supported the mediating process. The first evidence of the decline in the process came with the disenchantment of the Blues. They realized that they did not need to give up anything in a mediated compromise, for by waiting they could achieve an alternative outcome. Indeed, within a year, all but one of the Reds left Moshav Avodah. Thirteen references are included.