CCEA A2 2 Geography - Ethnic conflict Causes

CCEA A2 2 Geography - The causes of ethnic conflict

SCRATCHD

Sectarianism

Cultural conflict

Racism

Animosiies

Territorial dispute

C

Human right abuses

Discrimination

Sectarianism definition

Prejudice based on religious differences - one ethnic group has superiority based on their religion whilst the other ethnic groups are perceived to be less valued.

How does sectarianism lead to conflict?

Disadvantaged group suffers from poorer education opportunities, quality housing, and unemployment, which leads to resentment, frustration and anger/hatred for the other ethnic group- continuous struggle for fairness leads to conflict.

Clustering

A response to sectarianism as the members of an ethnic group seek safety and security from living together- limits social interaction and development of a culture of tolerance and respect, meaning issues won’t be resolved and misconceptions flourish meaning conflict is likely.

Sectarianism RTP

Northern Ireland - Catholic population discriminated against in local government and allocation of jobs.

Racism definition

The deliberate prejudice or discrimination based on race at an individual, organisational, or governmental level. One ethnic group establishes itself as superior, and reinforces this by putting in laws, regulations, and procedures to benefit themselves but are unfair towards the other ethnic groups. E.G voting rights, mobility, ctizenship.

How does racism lead to conflict?

The disadvantaged group fight back for reform by resisting, initially through peaceful processes and new political parties emerging for balance. Anger and resentment fester eventually, this develops into conflict where the disadvantaged group fights back for equality.

Racism RPT

USA - Black codes Laws used in southern USA to restrict the rights of African Americans. These were followed by the Jim Crow laws, till the 1960’s. Both laws created segregation- and differences in economic opportunities, education, social disadvantage, and housing. This led to the Civil Rights movement and acts of civil disobedience.

Animosities definition

Bad feelings and disputes lasting for generations and are never truly forgotten after conflict ends. Developed mutual distrust is difficult to shake off- this is likely where there is little meaningful contact in segregated societies where distrust festers over time.

How do animosities lead to conflict?

Past grievances are kept alive in literature, music, political organisations and education (politics classes), so each generation grows up fully aware of the past wrongdoing of the other ethnic group- never truly forgotten. Potential future conflict is therefore a real possibility and minor incidents can ignite this.

Animosities RTP

Northern Ireland - Catholics and Protestants have contrasting interpretation of the 12th July orange marches. Protestants = sign or British identity, Catholics = sign of Protestant domination and division for several centuries. Riots have followed marches in the past 2 decades that have come close to nationalist areas- parades commission now decides marching routes.

Territorial Disputes definition

The struggle for territory- arguments over land ownership and boundaries when one ethnic group exerts its authority by taking control of areas of land belonging to another ethnic group. This gives the ethnic group access to the land, its resources, and people.

How do territorial disputes lead to conflict?

When an ethnic group has emotional ties, attachment, or historical roots to the land and wish to keep it or claim it back for future generations to benefit from.

This loss of territory creates rivalry and resentment or fear ad hostility which drives the ethnic group to regain possession. Where territotial disputes occur between neighbouring countries, a compromise acceptable to everyone is difficult to reach so conflict is common- can be a result of strategic importance/economic value of the territory.

Territorial disputes RTP

Jerusalem- Israel annexed Jerusalem in 1967, which has led to conflict and tension between Israelis and Palestinians- ongoing conflict as Israel has claimed Jerusalem as its capital (not internationally recognised), whilst the Palestinians want to claim back the land they once owned and reinstate Jerusalem as it capital.

Cultural Conflict definition

Conflict caused by the fundamental differences in the outward expression of ethnicity- extreme attitudes towards a particular ethnic group may develop over time when the ethnic group feels insecure or that its culture is under attack.

How does cultural conflict lead to conflict?