What is the Essence of Intercultural Conflict? Cultural Difference, Ethnic Identity and the Question of Power

Abstract

Models of intercultural conflict tend to focus on cultural difference as a complicating factor in intercultural relations. Similarly, theories of ethnic conflict focus on the (non-)recognition of collective identities. They describe how, but cannot explain why, these conflicts are prone to (violent) escalation, nor why normally reasonable actors tend to suddenly exhibit irrational behavior.
This theoretical failure is due to an unrecognized but systematic overlap of cultural difference and asymmetries of symbolic power in most intercultural conflicts. Cultural difference may cause actors to misunderstand each others’ cultural codes. Asymmetrical positions in a system of symbolic power will lead to systematically differing perspectives on social reality. Both dimensions can be used strategically by both parties in the conflict. On the basis of an empirical study of anti-racists the article develops a theoretical model of intercultural conflict. It discusses long-term effects of unresolved conflicts and suggests strategies for third parties dealing with power asymmetry.