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:	9781119793243
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	01/26/2022
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.20(d)

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

Part I: Engaging Conflict

Chapter 1: Engaging and Disrupting for Social Change

Chapter 2: The Neutrality Trap

Chapter 3: Intersectionality and Social Change

Chapter 4: Constructive Engagement

Part II: Deepening Conflict

Chapter 5: The Hope and Challenge of Enduring Conflict

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

Part III: Strategic Disruption

Chapter 7: From Chaotic to Strategic Disruption

Chapter 8: Allies, Teams, and Leaders

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

References

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Index