Abstract
Based on the assumption that one dimension of each group is the ongoing struggle for personal recognition, the thesis is made that in groups of multicultural/multinational composition it is possible to study how personal self-esteem reflects on a social order and the own respected place therein. Group members from different social orders (cultures) are confronted with the task to work out the significance/meaning/value of basic dimensions such as gender, social class, religious upbringing, etc. whilst trying to get their personal self-esteem validated by the group. This process takes place in a situation of relative power imbalance between members of the majority culture and those of the minority group, who tend to depreciate each other due to deeply in-rooted stereotypes - the group has to work on dimensions of the foundation matrices in order to establish its dynamic matrix. A model is suggested, why this process implies such a high potential of insecurity, fostering anxiety and aggression with the menace of total breakdown of communication. Different power potentials of the different subgroups are outlined as reflections of a wider scope of power relations in society and the historic dimension of the foundation matrix is emphasized.
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