Murray, Poppy
Religion as a Tool Against the Bystander Problem in Genocide; with Bosnia-Herzegovina as a Case Study.
Master thesis, Master Religion Conflict and Globalisation.
Abstract
Genocides continue to occur today, with more areas showing signs of precursor stages. In previous studies, bystanders have been shown to have an effect on the continuation of a genocide through their inaction or passive acceptance of genocidal ideologies and/or actions by perpetrators. As such, this paper looked into what factors affect bystander inaction, and how religion could be used as a tool to alleviate these and stimulate more bystander intervention. This has been approached through an investigation of the case of the Bosnian genocide to determine the influences upon bystanders and how these could be resolved, if harmful to genocidal situations. Bystanders are determined to have a level of responsibility if they are aware of the ongoing situation and have the potential to act. This includes individual action, e.g. condemnation of perpetrators, which can have an effect as not doing so encourages perpetrator action. Bystanders are often subjected to psychological responses, such as denial, influenced by the contexts they are in, so there will be different influences upon them, for example, ideological. Religion is often used in genocidal ideologies to bolster claims, establish exclusionary group boundaries, and provide imagery and narratives. Psychological needs contribute to accepting these ideologies. However, religion can be applied differently in order to fulfil psychological needs of community and moral responsibility, and alternative worldviews to exclusionary ideologies, to encourage bystander action. Theorising on application of religion towards bystanders, directed towards specific reasons for bystander inaction, offers potential measures to lessen the bystander problem in genocides.
| Type: |
Thesis
(Master)
|
| Supervisors (RUG): |
| Supervisor | E-mail | Tutor organization | Tutor email |
|---|
| Tarusarira, J. | | Faculteit GGW, Religiewetenschap | J.Tarusarira@rug.nl | | Andrejc, G. | | Faculteit GGW, Christendom en Ideeengeschiedenis | G.Andrejc@rug.nl |
|
| Degree programme: |
Master Religion Conflict and Globalisation |
| Academic year: |
2020-2021 |
| Date of delivery: |
16 Sep 2022 13:47 |
| Last modified: |
16 Sep 2022 13:47 |
| URI: |
https://rcs.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/673 |
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