On a Promised Liberalism Confining Individuals’ Integration to their Confessional Group: A Case Study of Lebanon

Abstract

The Arab revolutions have unleashed a difficult process of change in the region, raising concerns regarding social integration in the Arab world. Specific concerns raised include whether Arab populations will adapt to pluralistic and democratic forms of social integration, or whether the revolutionary Arab masses will eventually revert to traditional forms of social integration. In the latter case, the region could fall into the trap of a loose reactionary liberalism that could lead to the dismantling of a cultural plurality inherent to Arab societies, and promote integration within the confine of one’s confessional group. In this study, the concept of social integration, as promoted by the founders of Western sociology, is introduced through a critical lens. Using Lebanon as a case study, Baalbaki examines civic social integration in the Lebanese model of liberalism, which is promoted by neoliberal mainstream and local media. Throughout the paper, he discusses eight challenges to civic integration, including: the constitution, governance, and parliamentary representation; legislation for local representation; disparity in development between regions and sectors; legislation for unions and professional associations; the development of cooperatives and local non-governmental organizations; education and culture; cognitive dissonance in societal communication; and women’s opportunities for social integration.