The Neutrality Trap: Disrupting and Connecting for Social Change

by Bernard S. Mayer, Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán PhD, JD, MHA.

Overview

Work for social change through constructive engagement and systems disruption in this practical resource for social change advocates and conflict specialists

In The Neutrality Trap, expert mediators and facilitators Bernard Mayer and Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán deliver an insightful and practical exploration of how to understand the conflicts we face as social change agents.

You'll learn about systems disruption and constructive engagement: how to develop the relationships and change strategies that help people, systems, and societies confront their most important social challenges. In this important book, you will:

• Discover how to challenge the status quo in an effective way
• Practice how to "get into good trouble," and pick the battles worth fighting
• Learn to be strategic in your approach to social change and sustain your efforts over the long term

Perfect for anyone interested in progressing and achieving social justice, The Neutrality Trap is an indispensable guide to engaging in and managing the necessary conflict that comes with meaningful change.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781119793410
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	01/19/2022
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
File size:	622 KB

About the Author

BERNARD MAYER, PhD, is an internationally recognized leader in the field of conflict intervention. He is Professor Emeritus of Conflict Studies at Creighton University and was a founding partner of CDR Associates, a pioneering conflict intervention and training firm. His previous books include Beyond Neutrality, Staying with Conflict, The Dynamics of Conflict, and The Conflict Paradox.

JACQUELINE N. FONT- GUZMÁN is a Fulbright scholar with vast experience in conflict, healthcare, academia, and the legal system. Her work has been internationally recognized. She serves as the inaugural Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Eastern Mennonite University and Professor in their Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. Her last solely authored book is Experiencing Puerto Rican Citizenship and Cultural Nationalism.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

I Engaging Conflict 1

1 Engaging and Disrupting for Social Change 3

2 The Neutrality Trap 27

3 Intersectionality and Social Change 51

4 Constructive Engagement 77

II Deepening Conflict 101

5 The Hope and Challenge of Enduring Conflict 103

6 Beyond Evil, Stupid, and Crazy: Systems of Privilege and Oppression 137

III Strategic Disruption 167

7 From Chaotic to Strategic Disruption 169

8 Allies, Teams, and Leaders 193

9 Disrupting and Connecting for Social Change: A Forward Look 213

References 233

Acknowledgments 247

About the Authors 250

Index 252