Cultural diversity and sectarian attitudes in postwar Lebanon

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore attitudes towards cultural diversity in postwar Lebanon. The examination focuses on three exploratory variables related to: distinct group consciousness; inter-group interaction; and perceived impact of cultural diversity. The data, collected between December 1999 and January 2000, come from a nationwide quota sample that comprised 1,073 Lebanese respondents representing the six major religious communities in the country. The findings disclose that respondents manifest high levels of group consciousness and negative propensity for inter-group interaction, though these trends are not uniform from one confessional group to another. As long as no common identity is emphasised, cultural diversity appears to threaten national unity. Keywords: Religious CommunitiesGroup ConsciousnessConfessional IdentityEthnic CohesionInter-GROUP Relations