The Neutrality Trap: Disrupting and Connecting for Social Change

by Bernard S. Mayer, Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán

Work for social change through constructive engagement and systems disruption in this practical resource for social change advocates and conflict specialists In The Neutrality Trap, expert mediators and facilitators Bernard Mayer and Jacqueline N. Font-Guzm�n deliver an insightful and practical exploration of how to understand the conflicts we face as social change agents.

You'll learn about systems disruption and constructive how to develop the relationships and change strategies that help people, systems, and societies confront their most important social challenges. In this important book, you

Discover how to challenge the status quo in an effective way Practice how to get into good trouble, and pick the battles worth fighting Learn to be strategic in your approach to social change and sustain your efforts over the long term Perfect for anyone interested in progressing and achieving social justice, The Neutrality Trap is an indispensable guide to engaging in and managing the necessary conflict that comes with meaningful change.

Genres: Nonfiction

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2022

Reviews

[Shirley Showalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like journalists, professionals in the field of conflict intervention have long prided themselves in not taking sides. In order to tell a full story, journalists attempt to set aside their own values and commitments in order to understand "both sides" of a conflict. Similarly, conflict interveners have their own version of listening deeply and respectfully to "both sides" in the service of professionalism. The authors of this book challenge the assumption that professionals can and should be neutral in conflicts. Neutrality often ends up supporting the status quo. Demonstrably false narratives are not equal to demonstrably true narratives. Who loses when neutrality is vaunted over truth and justice? Those with the least power and visibility to those with power. What is better than neutrality? The authors Of this book make a strong case for disruption and connecting for social change.

"We write this book in the belief that fundamental system change is not only possible but inevitable," say Bernie Mayer and Jackie Font-Guzmán. Their approach in the nine chapters of this book is to combine research, personal experience of both conflict interventions and social activism, and memoir--personal reflection on that experience, including successes as well as learnings when processes failed or fell short.

When conflicts arise that are linked to systemic issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, it is especially important to not neutralize the weaker voices. Allowing the conflict to deepen and the less powerful voices to be heard can be done. And it can be done nonviolently. "Social action should be life-giving to us, and we need to build the support systems that help make it so."

This book takes a hard look at what passes for conflict resolution if the resolution continues to maintain unjust systems. It is critical of the status quo both in the U.S. and in Puerto Rica (where Jackie was born). Yet it is not a pessimistic book.

I see this book as evidence that the field of conflict intervention is learning and maturing. It can contain multitudes. When the neutrality veil is lifted, a deeper, better, goal appears -- truth and justice for all.

[Lynnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can listen to Bernie and Jackie talk for hours about how to disrupt conflict and create opportunities for change. In fact, I have. I feel so lucky to have been a student of theirs and this book was a great reminder of many of the wonderful lessons I have learned from them as well as practical information on how to become change-makers ourselves. Their continued fight for social justice in today's world is an inspiration.

[Nicole Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read and re-read this book over and over - I appreciated the history, the theory, the personal stories, and the practical application of how to generate more than just a dialogue, but a movement. As a volunteer mediator myself, reading this book with other mediators, the concept of neutrality is one we struggle with. I felt the conversation lifted that burden to some degree, understanding that people don't necessarily expect neutrality to the extent that you are not putting your needs above others. While I know they are a bit in an echo chamber, as someone who readily identifies with much of what they believe, I learned new techniques to 'connect and disrupt' at the same time!