Women and the Art of Peacemaking: Data from Israeli-Palestinian Interactive Problem-Solving Workshops

Citation:

D’ Estrée, Tamra Pearson, and Eileen F. Babbitt. 1998. “Women and the Art of Peacemaking: Data from Israeli-Palestinian Interactive Problem-Solving Workshops.” Political Psychology 19 (1): 185–209.

Authors: Tamra Pearson d'Estree, Eileen F. Babbitt

Abstract:

Are women “natural” peacemakers? If so, is this because of natural inclinations to avoid conflict or to engage in tough discussions? Are there particular skills in which women excel that make them more likely than their male counterparts to be able to build relational bridges, to facilitate negotiations, and to reduce tensions? After a review of the literature on gender differences in such skills, a systematic comparison of interaction quality is made between two Israeli-Palestinian interactive problem-solving workshops that differed only in gender composition. A third Israeli-Palestinian workshop that involved female political elites is also examined for subsequent changes in the conflict relationship or for changes in political activity. The implications of different repertoires of skills for altering political processes are discussed.

Keywords: peacemaking, conflict resolution, Gender, elites, peace process, middle east

Topics: Armed Conflict, Gender, Women, Gender Analysis, Peace Processes, Political Participation Regions: MENA, Asia, Middle East Countries: Israel, Palestine / Occupied Palestinian Territories

Year: 1998