"This textbook explores why nations and societies are divided and helps students to grasp the complex social and political issues that shape our world today. By examining the root causes of division and conflict, Problem Society provides a deeper understanding of the forces that drive polarisation, nationalism, and identity politics.Through the lens of diverse case studies, Problem Society delves into the historical, cultural, and social factors that contribute to division and explores the implications of these factors for individuals, communities, and nations. By examining these issues from an interdisciplinary perspective, the textbook provides a nuanced understanding of the complex web of factors that contribute to social and political divisions. In addition to examining the causes of division, the textbook also explores strategies for promoting reconciliation, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. By examining case studies of successful and unsuccessful efforts at reconciliation, Problem Society provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and consequences of division. The textbook includes student activities, comprehension questions, boxed case studies and suggested watching and readings. As such, this textbook is an essential resource for students, scholars, and practitioners in a wide range of fields, from sociology, anthropology, and political science to international relations and conflict resolution"-- Provided by publisher.
Problem Society is an essential introduction to the many facets of divided societies. It examines the complexities of how and why ancient grievances and new conflicts coexist with unprecedented connectivity and develops students understanding of the daily lived experience of people in cultural, economic, and political landscapes affected by global shifts.
Structured around critical problems facing global societies in transition, it equips students with analytical tools to interpret the complex world around them. It provides a multidisciplinary exploration of the historical contexts of nation-state building and the politics of divided nations and illuminates the geopolitical upheavals of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Illustrated by diverse case studies and vignettes, it takes readers on a chapter-by-chapter journey through key topics including balancing interests and needs at different societal levels, from the global to local; shifts in the tension between individualism and collectivism; obstacles to problem-solving and decision-making; causes of, and ways of managing and resolving, conflict; the challenge of ensuring effective, accountable, and transparent governance; peacekeeping forms and the ethical and political dilemmas they entail; establishing and verifying truth in an era of misinformation; and balancing privacy and security amid widespread surveillance.
Borne from the authors extensive experience of teaching and collaborating with students to bridge theory, concepts, and issues with their real-world experience, pedagogical features include definitions of key concepts, activities, reflection questions, further reading, as well as carefully curated suggestions for films and docuseries, to deepen students understanding of contemporary international politics.
Problem Society is an engaging introduction to the intricate dynamics of a rapidly changing, interconnected world for students of sociology, politics, international relations, human geography, anthropology, area studies, and conflict resolution.
Problem Society is an essential introduction to the many facets of divided societies. It examines the complexities of how and why ancient grievances and new conflicts coexist with unprecedented connectivity and develops students understanding of the lived experience of people in an ever-shifting global landscape.
