Self-censorship of Conflict-related Information in the Context of Intractable Conflict

Eldad Shahar, Boaz Hameiri, Daniel Bar-Tal and Amiram Raviv

Journal of Conflict Resolution, 2018, vol. 62, issue 5, 957-982

Abstract: Self-censorship is of great importance in societies involved in intractable conflict. In this context, it blocks information that may contradict the dominant conflict-supporting narratives. Thus, self-censorship often serves as an effective societal mechanism that prevents free flow and transparency of information regarding the conflict and therefore can be seen as a barrier for a peacemaking process. In an attempt to understand the potential effect of different factors on participants’ willingness to self-censor (WSC) conflict-related information, we conducted three experimental studies in the context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Study 1 revealed that perception of distance from potential information recipients and their disseminating capabilities lead to higher WSC. Study 2 replicated these results and also showed that fulfilling different social roles has an effect on the WSC. Finally, study 3 revealed that the type of information has a major effect on WSC.

Keywords: intractable conflict; sociopsychological barriers; freedom of expression; self-censorship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:jocore:v:62:y:2018:i:5:p:957-982

DOI: 10.1177/0022002716680266

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