This is an empirical study of communal conflict in Lebanon from a Sunnite Muslim perspective. First, the conventional wisdom of the Lebanese conflict is tested. Conventional wisdom emphasizes Sunnite closeness to the Palestinians, their strong affiliation with Syria, identification with pan-Arabism and their lack of allegiance to the State of Lebanon. Second, the examination of the analytical hypotheses derives from Western group theoretical approaches. Group theory stresses the importance of socioeconomic status, interaction patterns, as well as, types of participation (political and non-political), exposure to the mass media and religious factors in determining intergroup hostility or closeness. / The data collected for the purposes of this study came from 415 Lebanese Sunnite Muslim residents in the city of Sidon, Lebanon. The survey was conducted by means of the simple random selection process. Surveying, which involved three interviews, took place between January and March 1980. / The findings suggest that the conventional wisdom of the Lebanese conflict is a myth. The overwhelming majority of the respondents do not indicate their approval of the Palestinian military presence in Lebanon. In general, Sunnites indicate lack of warmth to the Palestinian population in the country. Sunnite attachment to Syria, their pan-Arabism and non-allegiance to the Lebanese state are not supported by the data. Western group hypotheses are neither fully supported by the data. While socioeconomic status, education and interaction appear to be important determinants of group closeness/hostility, exposure to the mass media, cross-cutting cleavages, and personal efficacy are not. The study is concluded by an evaluation of the conventional wisdom hypotheses and western group theory. The relevance of western group theory, as well as the feasibility of its use in a third world setting are discussed. Finally, suggestions for future research are provided. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 41-11, Section: A, page: 4824. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1980.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_74351 |
| Contributors | KHASHAN, HILAL., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 222 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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