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The Role of Soap Operas in Preventing Intergroup Violence
Often recognized for their dramatic plots and sensational storylines, soap operas have also been credited with functioning as powerful tools for social change, particularly in conflict-inflicted regions. Research conducted by Rezarta Bilali, an associate professor of psychology at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, highlights how these narratives can influence societal norms, foster understanding, and motivate individuals to act against violence.
Bilali’s analysis synthesizes findings from various narrative intervention studies focused on countries such as Rwanda, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, illustrating the potential of storytelling in mitigating violence. These insights appear in her recent publication in the European Review of Social Psychology.
“Our understanding of how narratives can help address intergroup conflicts and violence is still developing. However, it is clear that storytelling can significantly shape attitudes, behaviors, and social norms,” Bilali remarks.
She identifies seven key psychological mechanisms that can facilitate both individual and community transformation:
- Social norms: Illustrating accepted behaviors within a community.
- Role modeling: Featuring characters to inspire or dissuade particular behaviors.
- Moral exemplars: Showcasing characters who exhibit commendable actions, such as heroism.
- Awareness-raising and critical reflection: Bringing pressing social issues to light.
- Perspective-taking and empathy: Allowing audiences to engage with alternative narratives.
- Parasocial contact: Portraying fictional interactions with outsiders.
- Group malleability beliefs: Encouraging the view that groups have the capacity to evolve over time.
Bilali points out that while these strategies can often be intertwined within narratives, each mechanism can lead to distinct outcomes, which her research has sought to clarify.
Successful Interventions Across the Globe
Rwanda
In Rwanda, following the devastating genocide, two experimental studies evaluated the effects of a radio soap opera named Musekeweya. This program, which narrated a violent land conflict and subsequent reconciliation between two communities, resulted in heightened trust among different groups.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bilali and her team conducted a field experiment featuring two adaptations of the radio drama Kumbuka Kesho. One version included proactive characters addressing community issues, while the other depicted characters who remained passive. The listeners of the proactive version demonstrated an increased willingness to engage with problems and a stronger belief in their collective ability to foster change.
Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso’s Sahel region, a 12-week field experiment introduced participants from various villages to a radio drama aimed at curbing violent extremism. Those exposed to the drama exhibited diminished justifications for violence and an increased motivation to collaborate with local security forces, also prioritizing violent extremism as a significant concern for the nation.
Bilali emphasizes that despite the success of narrative interventions in various instances, challenges exist. Her findings suggest that narratives from post-conflict environments may resonate more effectively than those presented during active conflicts, as war-related themes can aggravate stress among participants.
“The socio-political context plays a vital role in determining the efficacy of these interventions, influencing how societal expectations and norms shape the narrative’s impact,” says Bilali. “Nevertheless, the positive influence of narrative strategies in fostering peace and reconciliation underscores their promise as a valuable approach in conflict resolution efforts.”
Further Reading:
Rezarta Bilali, “Narrative interventions in conflict settings: Harnessing the power of narratives to prevent violence and promote peace,” European Review of Social Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/10463283.2024.2397307
Source
phys.org