Cultural conformity is found in every culture. However, when this
conformity is based upon negative and distorted social perceptions, conflict
such as the Palestinian – Israeli conflict is formed. The distorted views
between the two religions have led to a conflict spanning generations. Through
negative stereotypes, the two regions have been in conflict without hope of
peace. The distortions in religions have led to a more political conflict. Generations
of negative social perceptions have led to generations of people filled with
hate.
Cultural Conformity
Conformity is defined as the “changing or adopting of a behavior
or attitude in order to be consistent with the social norms of a group” (Wood,
Wood, & Boyd, 2011, p 545).
Psychologists believe that some conformity is needed in order to have a
functioning society. Conformity is a universal process. However, some cultures
have variations in conformity. Researchers have made some key observations in
relation to conformity. Researchers concluded that conformity is higher when a
person must respond publicly rather than privately (McGraw Hill, 2010).
Researchers have also concluded that individuals working on a task with no
clear answer are more susceptible to social pressure and conformity. Irving
Janis applied the concept of groupthink to tightly knit groups. Groupthink is
the “tendency for members of a group to be more concerned with preserving group
solidarity and uniformity than with objectively evaluating all alternatives”
(Wood, Wood, & Boyd, 2011, p 545). Groupthink discredits outside views.
Because of groupthink, a group may believe they make no mistakes.
In Palestine the primary religion is Sunni Islam; whereas, the
primary religion in Israel is Judaism. Each group behaves and is characterized
by the religious doctrine of the region. Religious and political conformity is
of importance in both regions (Hofman, 1977). Both Judaism and Islamic cultures
have strict expectations and rules. In both cultures, it is expected that these
expectations and rules be followed. Because of these rules, there is strict
religious conformity in the region. There are severe political and religious
conflicts between the Judaism nation of Israel and the Islamic nation of
Palestine. Many of the current issues are due to extremist groups who have
created their own set of rules and desire conformity to them. The religions of
both regions have a role in creating the culture and lifestyle of the region.
According to Cohen (1990), religion is a cultural variable that affects the
understanding between societies or nations. The attitudes of each culture have
created political issues that appear to be irreconcilable.
Social Perception and Social Cognition
Social perception is the process that an individual “uses to
obtain critically important information about other people” (Wood, Wood, & Boyd, 2011, p 541). Social cognition is
the mental process that an individual uses to interpret information about the
world. Based upon these definitions, social perception is a function of social
cognition. Individuals use experiences to make future decisions. Through social
experiences, an individual develops attitudes and beliefs. Social perception is
rooted deeply in culture. Therefore, an individual raised in similar
environments view experiences as similar. However, an individual exposed to
different environments tend to view experiences in different ways. The social
cognition processes an individual uses to categorize the world are also the
processes that may distort the view of the world.
The perspectives of the Palestinians and Israelis have contributed
to the conflicting views of the regions. The views that the two regions have of
each other are based on the stereotypes they hold of each other. The conflict
of each group has been distorted through the social perceptions of the other
group. Because of these distortions, the exact demands of each group have
become unclear.
The theory of attitude balance can be considered important in social
perception. The theory of attitude balance states that an individual seeks
consistency in their attitudes and beliefs (Spector, 2008). An individual will
overestimate the positive characteristics of those individuals they like. In
contrast, an individual will underestimate positive characteristics and
emphasize negative characteristics of those individuals they do not like
(Heider, 1959). When applying this theory to the Palestinian – Israeli
conflict, it can be concluded that each group emphasizes the negative of the
other group. These perceptions are then taught to each generation. This creates
the age – old conflict inflicting the region today.
Social Perceptions that Require Change
Both Judaism and Islam have roots of Abrahamic origin (Esposito, Fasching, & Lewis, 2009). However, both sides
refuse to acknowledge these similarities. These two religions, along with
Christianity, are similar and connected. The histories of these three religions
include many of the same people and stories (Esposito, Fasching, & Lewis, 2009). While Christianity,
Judaism, and Islam have common beliefs, they also have doctrine and practice
differences. These differences are emphasized by the other group and have
contributed to the conflict.
Older generations are continuing to instill the feelings of hatred
in younger generations. As long as this practice continues, the Palestinian –
Israeli conflict will continue. Children are impressionable; therefore, they
are able to be conformed to the hatred that their elders cling on to. Until
these children become adults and are able to learn another perception, the
cultural perceptions they are conformed to are dominant. Both groups need to
form and accept new perceptions. Until this is done, the conflict will remain.
Individuals are more probable to change their negative perceptions
when they acknowledge that the other group may have similar attitudes and
beliefs (Byrne, 1961). The religions of Judaism and Islam have similarities.
Acknowledgement of these similarities can be a starting point for peace
negotiations between Palestine and Israel. Communication related to religious
ideals may begin resolution between these groups. This resolution is important
in order to maintain the Holy Land important to both religions (Esposito, Fasching, & Lewis, 2009).
Conclusion
An easy solution to the Palestinian –
Israeli conflict is unlikely. However, the changing of social perceptions based
on religion is an ideal place to begin. The Palestinian – Israeli conflict is
deeply rooted in religion which turned political. The two religions of Judaism
and Islam are deeply connected; thus creating a starting point for resolution.
Religious communication between the two regions may play a key role in the
future of peace between the two groups. Embracing the similarities between the
two groups is one way in which to begin changing the social perceptions
affecting them.
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