SenseMaker Research Report: Overcoming Polarisation in Crises

In April 2022, we provided a SenseMaker Framework and the Capture design for the Pocket Project, in partnership with the German NGO ‘Mehr Demokratie’. They offered an online workshop “Collective Trauma & Democracy,” led by Thomas Hübl, PhD, along with a support team of 20 facilitators. Throughout the weekend, 350 participants engaged in dialogue (German only) and reflection as part of the Collective Trauma Integration Process, working through the complexities of perceptions and understanding of conflict, polarisation, and divisiveness that is all too common in our democracies today.

We are happy to share the new research report on the workshop process, which was conducted by us Ezc.Partners/Compelxity Partners toghether with the Cynefin Centre (using their quantitative data tool called SenseMaker), the Institute for Integral Studies, and the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies. Adrian Wagner, Judith Strasser, and Dr. Niko Schäpke led the research endeavour and the writing of the report. The launch event for the project took place on April 12, 2022 with more than 1,000 participants.

The fundamental question underlying this research is: Does a collective trauma awareness and integration process help to strengthen democracy and overcome polarisation?

The markers of a healthy democracy are its capacities to support open communication and encourage dialogue and diverse viewpoints among its citizens, including in times of crisis and change. However, failing democracies struggle with divisiveness, misinformation, and other factors that can cripple this process. What is the reason for this and how can polarisation and fragmentation be overcome? Our research project is based on the assumption that unintegrated collective trauma from the past influences the way leaders and citizens deal with current conflicts and crises. Integrating the trauma of the past then becomes fundamental to restoring the tenets and guiding principles of democracy. Here are some excerpts from our report with oad the the SenseMaker results.

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Key Findings:

Processing, communicating, and integrating difficult experiences are crucial for citizens, politics, media, science, and business. New formats and tools are needed to support communications and co-create solutions during crises. Spaces for exchange and discussion are particularly important.

Through the collective trauma integration process, participants' experiences of democracy became more positive. Initially marked by mixed feelings, by the end, there was a significant increase in confidence, self-efficacy, compassion, and the courage to develop democracy. Abstract concepts like politics, participation, and society became tangible and alive. Participants gained a clearer understanding of the qualities and competencies needed for democratic crisis management. Dialogue skills were recognized as essential for strengthening democracy and overcoming crises. The process helped dissolve communication blocks and integrate emotional or repressed issues, fostering greater empathy and understanding for the difficult experiences of others.

Trends and Future Visions:

1. Impact of Trauma: Recognizing the strong impact of trauma on crisis management.
2. Democratic Engagement: Increased motivation to participate in democracy.
3. Experiencing Democracy: Participants feel seen and gain a sense of agency.
4. Handling Disagreements: Improved ability to stay present with differences and respond to crises.
5. Social Cohesion: Strengthening social trust and willingness to shape democracy through processing separation and polarization.
6. Trauma-Informed Communication: Enhancing democratic processes with a trauma-informed approach.
7. Deep Connection Spaces: Creating spaces for deep, meaningful interactions to make democracy tangible.
8. Mapping Narratives: Using tools like SenseMaker to understand diverse perspectives and foster dialogue.
9. Broader Implementation: Initiating trauma integration processes at various political levels.
10. Research Needs: Systematically researching trauma-informed group processes to better understand and apply them.

By incorporating these insights and approaches, we can create a more resilient and inclusive democratic society capable of effectively handling crises and fostering genuine participation.

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Here are some of the exerpts of the German report: 

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Download the report by the reserach group here.