How Local Governments Govern Culture War Conflicts

Local governments have become more active in culture war conflicts, such as LGBTI rights, refugee protection, and climate change, and this Element provides new categories of responsiveness to better understand their roles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

While local governments have traditionally been perceived as relatively powerless and unpolitical, this perception has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years. The landscape of local governance has witnessed a surge of engagement in a multitude of so-called culture war conflicts, encompassing issues such as LGBTI rights, refugee protection, and climate change. Through the lens of the Australia Day and Columbus Day controversies, this Element revitalizes research on how local governments respond to these contentious conflicts. By documenting new fronts in the culture wars and the evolving nature of local government, this Element extends the foundational understanding of how local governments navigate these complex dynamics.

In its endeavor to enhance our comprehension of the multifaceted roles played by local governments in the realm of contentious culture war conflicts, this Element introduces four novel categories of responsiveness. These categories serve as valuable tools for scholars and practitioners alike, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which local governments engage with these conflicts.

Firstly, the Element explores the role of local governments as advocates for cultural diversity and inclusivity. It recognizes that local governments have a crucial responsibility to promote a sense of belonging and unity among diverse communities, particularly in the face of culture war conflicts. By championing cultural diversity, local governments can foster a sense of respect and understanding, which can help mitigate tensions and conflicts.

Secondly, the Element examines the role of local governments as mediators in culture war conflicts. It recognizes that local governments often play a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and negotiation between different stakeholders, including community groups, political parties, and other organizations. By acting as mediators, local governments can help break down barriers and promote understanding, which can ultimately lead to more peaceful resolutions.

Thirdly, the Element explores the role of local governments as enforcers of cultural norms and values. It recognizes that local governments have the authority to regulate and enforce laws and policies that align with their communities' cultural norms and values. By doing so, local governments can help maintain social order and prevent the escalation of culture war conflicts.

Lastly, the Element examines the role of local governments as creators of cultural spaces and events. It recognizes that local governments have the power to organize and promote cultural events and spaces that bring people together and promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures. By doing so, local governments can help build social capital and promote a sense of community cohesion.

In conclusion, the perception of local governments as powerless and unpolitical has undergone a significant shift in recent years. Local governments have emerged as active participants in culture war conflicts, leveraging their authority and influence to advocate for cultural diversity, mediate disputes, enforce cultural norms, and create cultural spaces. By recognizing the diverse roles played by local governments in these conflicts, scholars and practitioners can better understand the complex dynamics of local governance and develop more effective strategies for promoting peace and social cohesion.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108811682