(This is an archived page, from the Patterns of Power Edition 3 book. Current versions are at book contents).
Previous sections have described the characteristics of peaceful pluralism and discussed some of the behavioural requirements for avoiding conflict. This section examines some of the positive actions which can be taken to increase harmony and integration:
· The education of children, by both parents and schools, is of prime importance: increasing children's understanding of each other's cultures (4.4.7.1).
· Both adults and children need to interact with people from other cultural groups, to increase familiarity and reduce mutual suspicion (4.4.7.2).
· Peer-group pressure can play an important part in combating divisiveness – people speaking out if others are behaving badly – and community leaders can also use their moral influence (4.4.7.3).
· Immigrants will be more readily accepted if the host community and the immigrants themselves take the appropriate measures (4.4.7.4).
Although the law and government can contribute by creating a propitious framework, as will be discussed in the next two chapters, personal behaviour is the most powerful way of ensuring peaceful coexistence.