Decoding Esan Indigenous Knowledge for Conflict Resolution: The Case Study of a Community in Mahasarakham Province, Thailand
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Abstract
This study aimed to examine the components and their inherent meanings of the process of conflict resolution relying on Esan indigenous knowledge. It used qualitative methods to seek a deeper understanding of this social phenomenon within its natural setting. Volume of data were collected through participant and non-participant observations, and in-dept interviews conducted with twelve key informants selected through stratified purposeful sampling approach due to their experience in and knowledge about conflict and resolution, and diversity in age and gender. Integrating thematic and grounded theory approach of analysis, various themes were emerged. The study revealed that community conflict resolution was the process of community-based and self-management mediation operated as a social tool for attaining the expected goal reconciliation. The process provided flexibility in which decisions made on components of the process, tactics, and dealing with immediate or unexpected events were based on consideration of participants. It comprised two stages including pre-mediation preparation and mediation day. Pre-mediation preparation was a planning stage showing what to be prepared for and how to convince different parties to participate in community mediation. On the mediation day, mediation process was open to all community members. Participants included the key persons verbally invited and the persons participating voluntarily. The essence of the process was associated with resolution skills. To attain the expected goal, each issue connecting with each other within conflict was resolved by supporting and urging the disputants to understand the issue and agree with a resolution. This showed the importance of collaborative persuasion as a tactic for changing belief, emotion, and behavior. Persuasion efforts developed the uniqueness of interventions, dialogues, and languages and meanings.
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References
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