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“You Can’t Kill a Louse with One Finger”: A Case Study of Interpersonal Conflict in Karamoja, Uganda
Author(s) -
Jabs Lorelle Beth
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
peace and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1468-0130
pISSN - 0149-0508
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-0130.2010.00644.x
Subject(s) - conflict resolution , tribe , interpersonal communication , economic justice , interpersonal violence , social psychology , state (computer science) , interpersonal relationship , psychology , criminology , conflict resolution research , sociology , political science , law , poison control , suicide prevention , computer science , medicine , environmental health , algorithm
Among the Karimojong, a preliterate tribe residing in northeast Uganda, interpersonal conflict tends to be harsh, bloody, violent, and often results in serious injury. Intra‐group conflict resolution practices in this remote community were analyzed through interpersonal conflict stories. Virtually all of the thirty‐one stories of violent conflict described here achieve complete reconciliation and full restoration of relationships. The system of conflict resolution so effectively employed among the Karimojong illustrates the place of reconciliation described by Lederach where truth and mercy, justice and peace meet. While Lederach utilizes the concept of reconciliation to discuss intra‐ and inter‐state conflict, the current manuscript illustrates how the paradoxical qualities of truth and mercy, justice and peace are practically employed to effectively resolve situations of extremely difficult interpersonal conflict.