This article utilizes three areas of knowledge derived from field theory to conceptualize and analyze the planning and conduct of conflict management workshops for Arab and Jewish youth in Israel. The three areas of knowledge are ethnic identity and majority-minority relations, a theory of individual change within a social group, and principles of action research. The central field-theoretical concepts in each of these areas were applied to contemporary conflict management workshops. Among the products of this action research were changes in participants' attitudes, development of methods for the training and support of trainers, and accumulated knowledge regarding the differences between the two ethnic groups in communication and interpersonal styles.Kurt Lewin's theoretical contributions and experimental work left an impressive mark on modem psychology and provided a system of concepts and methods, some of which have become cornerstones of psychology. Lewin did not confine himself to research and theory, however. His sensitivity to issues of social, political, and moral relevance led him to seek and propose solutions and directions in these areas. Therefore, parts of his research and theory were anchored in his attempts to solve social problems.

The article describes and analyzes role problems of trainers who conduct conflict-management workshops between Arabs and Jews in Israel. Using role theory concepts, the article focuses on two types of role problems: role ambiguity and role conflict. Role ambiguity in this case stems from two sources: inadequate information concerning ends or goals of conflict-management workshops and inadequate information concerning the trainers' appropriate behavior. Particular instances of person-role conflicts are presented and explained. They evolve around dilemmas in the personal, cultural, and political spheres of the trainers'lives and their professional roles. The article concludes with a discussion regarding consequences of role problems on the trainers'performances. Measures to counteract these consequences are pointed out and discussed.

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