Social psychological background of conflict and peace processes in intergroup relations

The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions and evaluations of people living in Turkey towards the 'Armenian issue' by using Q methodology. A field research was carried out with 72 participants from different ideological and religious backgrounds in Turkey. The participants were asked to sort 41 different cards related to the Armenian issue from "the most agreed" (+4) to "the most disagreed" side (-4). The data were analyzed with the PQMethod 2.35 program. The results highlighted three factors representing different aspects of the Armenian issue: 1) "Armenian Issue as a Genocide and Turkish State as the Only (Political) Responsible Party", 2) "Armenian Issue as Mutual Sufferings and the Externalization of Responsibility", 3) "Armenian Issue as the Rejection of Genocide and Official Narrative". The results also indicated the participants' agreement and disagreement points. The participants had a consensus on views involving reciprocal steps to solve the issue such as conducting scientific studies and various activities of research institutions and NGOs from both countries and restarting the diplomatic relations. However, they diverged on views including politicized suggestions for the solutions of the Armenian issue such as a request for recognition of genocide, request for official apology. The results were discussed within the framework of Intractable Conflicts, Social Representations and Collective Guilt Theories.