Co-authors: Joy Onyesoh, Women International League for Peace and Freedom, International Secretariat; Wening Udasmoro, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta
Drawing upon extensive empirical material (interviews) from conflict affected communities in Indonesia and Nigeria, this paper argues that rumors are key factors driving ethno-religious conflicts, and that these dynamics are deeply gendered. While many conflict studies are dedicated to uncovering causal explanations of conflicts in a macro-perspective, fewer researchers are investigating the gendered components of conflict cycles at the micro-level. This paper elaborates a constructivist analysis of the gendered role of rumors as channels of violence and triggers for conflict escalation. It argues that rumors, playing on masculine protection and pride, and contributing to the process of ‘othering’, constitute gendered social mechanisms that trigger conflict escalation and retaliation processes and thus act as a key element in spreading violence. Interviewees in the affected communities acknowledged the role of rumor in exacerbating the conflict and subsequently demonstrated crucial skills in managing and controlling rumors to prevent further conflict escalation. Recognizing the significance of gendered rumors, the paper suggests that processes of rumor control could play a crucial role in the prevention of conflict at the local level.
About the author
Christelle Rigual is a Post-doctoral Researcher and Research Coordinator at the Gender Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, where she leads the implementation of the r4d/SNSF project ‘The Gender Dimensions of Social Conflict, Armed Violence and Peacebuilding.’ Her research pertains to the global governance of security, with interests in the global framework regulating the use of force as well as the dynamics between gender, conflict, politico-religious extremism, and peacebuilding. Drawing upon her research findings, she has published in Peacebuilding and co-authored chapters in Cambridge University Press edited volumes. She lectures on international relations, international security, as well as ‘Gender in International Action’ in higher education institutions. She holds a PhD in International Relations/Political Science from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva.
Within the Gender Seminar Series
The purpose of this seminar is to offer a platform of exchange for students, doctoral students in particular, whose work encompasses a gender perspective. During this monthly series, students will have the opportunity to discuss their work, meet peers from different disciplines at IHEID, as well as interact with guest speakers and faculty members.