The Lebanese Paradox: Overcoming the Fear of Change Despite Unprecedented Challenges. A Deep Dive into Psychological And Societal Complexities

Lebanon has been facing multiple challenges in recent years, including political instability, economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and Beirut port explosion. Despite these challenges, there has been little widespread rebellion or any serious action to change, leaving many observers to wonder why??

To understand this phenomenon from a psychological perspective, we can look at the concept of learned helplessness. Learned helplessness occurs when people experience a situation where they feel helpless and unable to change their circumstances, leading to a belief that their actions will not make a difference and they are unable to control or influence the outcome. This belief can lead to apathy and inaction, even when there is a strong desire for change

In the context of Lebanon, the prolonged exposure to challenging circumstances and a lack of visible progress in resolving them could have contributed to a sense of learned helplessness among the population. This sense of helplessness could make people feel powerless to effect change and may explain the lack of widespread social unrest.?

Over the years, there have been many protests and demonstrations, but they have not resulted in significant changes. This may lead some people to feel that their actions do not lead to change and become resigned to their situation. In addition to feeling powerless and resigned to their situation, people who experience learned helplessness may also have a sense of hopelessness and pessimism about the future. They may feel that nothing they do will make a difference and that the situation is beyond their control

Fear of violence: Lebanon has a history of political violence and conflict, and this may make people hesitant to engage in mass protests or a full-scale revolt. There have been incidents of violence during protests in the past, and the fear of violent reprisals from the government or other groups may deter people from taking action. Fear can also lead to a sense of powerlessness and resignation.

Fear of violence can be a powerful deterrent to engaging in mass protests or a full-scale revolt. In Lebanon, there have been incidents of violence during protests, including clashes with security forces and attacks on demonstrators by supporters of political parties. This violence can be traumatizing and create a climate of fear that makes people hesitant to engage in further protests. Additionally, the fear of violent reprisals from the government or other groups can also contribute to a sense of powerlessness and resignation.

Lack of collective identity: Lebanon is a deeply divided society, with deep sectarian and political divisions that make it difficult to build a collective identity and a unified movement for change. The country has a complex power-sharing system that divides power along religious and sectarian lines, which can create divisions and mistrust between different groups. This can make it difficult to build a sense of shared purpose and common identity, which is essential for effective collective action.

Additionally, the fragmentation of the political landscape can create a sense of political apathy and disengagement, as people feel that their voices are not being heard and that their political leaders do not represent their interests.

Economic dependence: Many Lebanese people may feel economically dependent on the government or political elites, and therefore are hesitant to engage in actions that could lead to job loss or economic instability. Lebanon has a high unemployment rate and a weak economy, and many people rely on government jobs or support from political groups for their livelihoods. This economic dependence can make it difficult for people to take actions that could threaten their economic stability.

Economic dependence can create a sense of vulnerability and fear of economic instability, which can make people hesitant to take actions that could threaten their economic security. This economic dependence can create a sense of indebtedness and loyalty to these groups, making it difficult to engage in actions that could challenge their power.

Lack of leadership: The absence of strong and credible leaders who can inspire and guide the people toward a common goal can also contribute to the lack of a coordinated effort for change. Lebanon has a fragmented political landscape, with many different parties and factions vying for power. There is a lack of trust in political leaders, and many people may feel that there is no one they can turn to for leadership and guidance.

The absence of strong and credible leaders who can inspire and guide the people toward a common goal can also contribute to the lack of a coordinated effort for change. In Lebanon, the fragmentation of the political landscape has led to a lack of trust in political leaders, with many people feeling that their leaders are corrupt and do not represent their interests. This lack of trust can make it difficult for people to rally behind a particular leader or movement and can create a sense of political apathy and disengagement.

The current situation in Lebanon is complex and multifaceted, and it is difficult to attribute the lack of widespread protests or revolts to any single psychological or social factor. This is why several additional factors are contributing to the current state of affairs:

Availability heuristic: The availability heuristic is a cognitive bias in which people judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily it comes to mind. In the case of Lebanon, the recent memory of the 2019 protests may make people believe that protesting is ineffective, as the protests did not lead to significant changes in the political and economic situation.

Perceived lack of alternatives: People may be hesitant to participate in protests or other forms of civil disobedience because they do not see any viable alternatives. In Lebanon, many people may feel that there are no clear solutions to the problems facing the country, leading them to feel that their actions would be futile.

Lack of trust in institutions: Lebanese citizens have long expressed distrust in their government and other institutions, such as the police and the judiciary. Trust in Lebanese institutions has long been low. Corruption is endemic in many parts of society, and the government has been seen as ineffective at best and malevolent at worst. The 2019 protests were sparked in part by public outrage over government corruption and incompetence. However, the government's response to the protests was heavy-handed, leading many to believe that change was unlikely to come through official channels. This lack of trust in institutions may make people hesitant to engage in collective action, as they may not believe that their demands will be heard.

Social influence and conformity: People are often influenced by the opinions and actions of others, and this can lead to conformity with social norms and expectations. In the case of Lebanon, social norms around political and sectarian identity may be contributing to a lack of collective action. People may feel pressure to conform to the expectations of their community or religious group, which can create a sense of social identity that is separate from a broader sense of Lebanese identity. This can make it difficult to build a sense of shared purpose and collective action, as people may feel more loyalty to their particular group than to the broader community.

Group polarization: Group polarization refers to the tendency for groups to become more extreme in their beliefs and actions over time. In the case of Lebanon, the deep political and sectarian divisions in the country may be contributing to group polarization, with different groups becoming increasingly entrenched in their positions and less willing to compromise or engage in collective action. This can make it difficult to build consensus and agreement around a shared vision for the future of the country.

Cognitive dissonance: Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort or tension that arises when people hold conflicting beliefs or values. In the case of Lebanon, people may experience cognitive dissonance when they hold beliefs about the need for change and reform but do not take action to achieve these goals. This can create a sense of guilt or internal conflict, which can lead to a sense of resignation and inaction.

Social desirability bias: Social desirability bias refers to the tendency of people to alter their behavior or opinions in order to fit in with the norms of a group. In the context of Lebanon, people may be reluctant to speak out against the government or the status quo if they perceive that doing so would be unpopular or go against the prevailing social norms. This may be particularly true in more conservative or religious communities, where there may be pressure to conform to traditional values and beliefs.

Groupthink: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when people in a group prioritize harmony and consensus over critical thinking and dissent. This can lead to a situation in which group members avoid voicing their own opinions or challenging the prevailing view, in order to avoid conflict or maintain social cohesion. In the context of Lebanon, groupthink may be a factor that discourages people from speaking out or taking action against the status quo, particularly if they feel that doing so would go against the prevailing social or political norms.

Ingroup favoritism and outgroup bias: Ingroup favoritism refers to the tendency for people to favor members of their own group over members of other groups, while outgroup bias refers to the tendency to view members of other groups in a negative light. In the case of Lebanon, the deep sectarian and political divisions in the country may be contributing to ingroup favoritism and outgroup bias, which can create a sense of mistrust and division between different groups. This can make it difficult to build a sense of shared purpose and collective action, as people may view members of other groups as enemies rather than potential allies.

Trauma and burnout: The ongoing political and economic crisis in Lebanon has taken a toll on the mental health and well-being of many citizens. Trauma and burnout may make it difficult for people to engage in sustained activism or to believe that their actions can make a difference. Additionally, many Lebanese citizens have experienced multiple crises and conflicts over the course of their lifetimes, including the civil war and subsequent conflicts. This may lead to a sense of resignation or fatalism, with people feeling that the country is destined to continue on its current path.

Self-interest and motivation: Finally, self-interest and motivation can play a significant role in determining whether people engage in collective action. In the case of Lebanon, economic dependence and fear of violence may be contributing to a sense of self-interest that makes it difficult for people to engage in actions that could threaten their economic security or physical safety. Additionally, the lack of credible leaders and a sense of shared purpose may be contributing to a lack of motivation to engage in collective action, as people may feel that their actions will not lead to meaningful change.

Understanding these psychological factors can be helpful in designing strategies to promote collective action and social change.?

Addressing the complex factors contributing to the lack of action to change in Lebanon will require a comprehensive approach that takes into account the unique social, economic, and political dynamics of the country.?Building greater unity and collective action in Lebanon will require a concerted effort from various actors, including government officials loop, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and individual citizens. This may include efforts to build trust in institutions, promote inter-party dialogue, and provide support for those experiencing trauma and burnout.?

Also, efforts to build a sense of collective efficacy (the belief that a group can make a difference) and to promote critical thinking and open communication within groups may help to overcome some of the barriers to action described above. Additionally, efforts to promote intergroup dialogue and to find common ground across different communities may help to build a broader movement for change in Lebanon.

Additionally, it will be important to address the root causes of the economic crisis and to provide relief for those who are struggling financially.?Here are some strategies that could be effective:

Fostering a shared national identity: Building a shared national identity that transcends sectarian and political divisions could help create a sense of shared purpose and promote collective action. This could involve efforts to promote national unity through education, cultural events, and media campaigns.

Encouraging intergroup contact is another effective strategy for breaking down barriers and building trust. Programs that bring together members of different groups for joint projects or activities can promote understanding and empathy, reducing prejudice and stereotypes

Providing opportunities for collective action: Providing opportunities for people to engage in collective action that addresses their shared concerns and grievances could help build a sense of shared purpose and motivation. This could involve organizing peaceful protests, community service projects, or other activities that promote unity and solidarity.

Building credible leadership: Building credible leaders who can articulate a vision for the future of the country and inspire people to engage in collective action could be a critical factor in promoting greater unity and social cohesion. This could involve identifying and supporting emerging leaders who can represent the interests of all Lebanese people and promote a shared vision for the future.

Addressing economic and social grievances: Addressing the economic and social grievances that are contributing to social fragmentation and division could help promote greater unity and collective action. This could involve policies that promote greater economic opportunity, reduce inequality, and provide social services to marginalized communities.

Promoting dialogue and reconciliation: Promoting dialogue and reconciliation between different groups could help address past grievances and build a foundation for greater unity and social cohesion. This could involve formal processes of truth and reconciliation, as well as more informal dialogues and discussions between members of different groups.

Overall, building greater unity and collective action in Lebanon will require a sustained and coordinated effort from various actors, as well as a willingness to address the underlying factors that are contributing to social fragmentation and division. By promoting greater national unity, encouraging intergroup contact, providing opportunities for collective action, building credible leadership, addressing economic and social grievances, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation, it may be possible to build a stronger and more united Lebanon for the benefit of all its citizens.