Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Intergroup bridging is aimed at reducing animosity and tension between groups while increasing their understanding and their ability to survive side by side with mutual respect. The DYNAMIC CIRCLES EXERCISE (DCE) is an elaboration on the FISHBOWL technique, based on theoretical principles from the existentialist theory, the gestalt theory, and the learning theory. Four examples of DCE applications are presented: a case involving drug addicts and third-year social work students, a case adding new volunteers to a group of veteran volunteers, confronting mothers and fathers of handicapped children in couple group intervention, and settling a conflict within an interdisciplinary team of workers. The strengths and dangers of the DCE, as well as the nature of the exercise, are discussed.

Keywords

bridging emphasizing differences exercise existential theory group "here and now"intergroup relationship intergroup conflict modeling personal changes simulation

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bargal, D. , & Bar, H. (1992). A Lewinian approach to intergroup workshops for Arab-Palestinian and Jewish youth. Journal of Social Issues, 48(2), 139-154.

Bargal, D. , & Bar, H. (1994). The encounter of social selves: Intergroup workshops for Arab and Jewish youth. Social Work with Groups, 17(3), 39-60.

Blake, R. , & Mouton, J. (1962). The intergroup dynamics of win-lose conflict and problem solving collaboration in union management relations. In M. Sherif (Ed.), Intergroup relations and leadership. New York: John Wiley.

Chang, E. T. (1992). Building minority coalitions: A case study of Korean and African Americans. Korea Journal of Population and Development, 21(1), 37-56.

Crookall, D. , Oxford, R. , & Saunders, D. (1987). Towards a recoceptualization of simulation: From representation to reality. Simulation/Games for Learning, 17(4), 147-171.

Heap, K. (1977). Group theory for social workers. New York: Pergamon.

Johnson, D. W. , & Johnson, F. P. (1991). Joining together, group theory and group skills (4th ed.). New York: Prentice Hall.

Jones, K. (1986). Simulations and anxiety related to public speaking. Simulation & Games: An International Journal, 17(3), 327-344.

Kernberg, O. (1980). Internal world and external reality-object relation theory applied. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.

10.

Lewin, K. (1953). A dynamic theory of personality. New York: McGraw-Hill.

11.

Lewin, K. (1989). Resolving social conflicts. Jerusalem, Israel: Keter. (Hebrew)

12.

Mika, H. (Ed). (1995). Victim and offender mediation: International perspectives on theory research and practice [special issue]. Mediation Quarterly, 12(3).

13.

Pfeiffer, J. W. , & Jones, J. E. (1975). Reference guide to handbooks and annuals. LaJolla, CA: University Associates Publishers and Consultants.

14.

Reichline, P. B. , & Targow, J. G. (1990). Couples groups. In I. L. Kutash & A. Wolf (Eds.), The group psychotherapist's handbook, contemporary theory and technique (pp. 231-252). New York: Columbia University Press.

15.

Rosenfeld, J. M. (1989). Emergence from extreme poverty. Science et Service. Paris: Fourth World Publications.

16.

Rubinstein, G. (1990). Specialty vs. adaptability: Authenticity according to various therapeutically approaches. Talks, D(2), 86-95. (Hebrew)

17.

Rugel, R. P. (1991). Addictions treatment in groups: A review of therapeutic factors. Small Group Research, 22, 475-491.

18.

Serok, S. (1980). Realizing the Gestalt theory and the establishment's approach to immigrant integration. Society and Welfare, G(1), 83-88. (Hebrew)

19.

Sherif, M. (1966). In common predicament. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

20.

Tajfel, H. (1982). Social psychology of intergroup relations. Annual Review of Psychology, 33, 1-39.

21.

Thalhofer, N. N. (1993). Intergroup differentiation and reduction of intergroup conflict. Small Group Research, 24(1), 28-43.

22.

Yalom, I. D. (1985). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (3rd ed.). New York: Basic Books.

Intergroup Bridging Using the Dynamic Circles Exercise (DCE)

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References