Description
Book SynopsisWork 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 wayPractice how to get into good trouble, and pick the battles worth fightingLearn 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.
Table of ContentsPreface 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
