This book explores the role of listening in community engagement and peacebuilding efforts, bridging academic research in communication and practical applications for individual and social change.

For all their differences, community engagement and peacebuilding efforts share much in common: the need to establish and agree on achievable and measurable goals, the importance of trust, and the need for conflict management, to name but a few. This book presents listening - considered as a multi-disciplinary concept related to but distinct from civility, civic participation, and other social processes - as a primary mechanism for accomplishing these tasks. Individual chapters explore these themes in an array of international contexts, examining topics such as conflict resolution, restorative justice, environmental justice, migrants and refugees, and trauma-informed peacebuilding. The book includes contemporary literature reviews and theoretical insights covering the role of listening as related to individual, social, and governmental efforts to better engage communities and build, maintain, or establish peace in an increasingly divided world.

This collection provides invaluable insight to researchers, students, educators, and practitioners in intercultural and international communication, conflict management, peacebuilding, community engagement, and international studies.

About the Author

Graham D. Bodie is Professor of Integrated Marketing Communication in the School of Journalism and New Media at The University of Mississippi, USA.

Debra L. Worthington is Professor of Communication and Director of the School of Communication & Journalism at Auburn University, USA.

Zenebe Beyene is Associate Professor and Coordinator of International Programs in the School of Journalism and New Media at The University of Mississippi, USA.

Reviews

"This edited collection is a valuable text on the role of listening-an activity that is taken for granted but worthy of further consideration-in fostering understanding across differences and promoting healing and reconciliation. [...] A theme found in many of the chapters is the role of trauma and how opportunities for meaningful listening, among survivors and perpetrators of violence, enhance healing, reconciliation, peace building, and justice. The world could be a much different place if this type of listening, especially to the most vulnerable citizens, was made a priority."

--K. Sorensen, Bentley University

Book Information
ISBN 9781032079233
Author Graham D. Bodie
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 830g