Liminal Logic: Explaining Cooperation Using Photovoice in Jerusalem

Despite their partial success, the 'local turn' in peacebuilding research is directing its spotlight on urban peacebuilding efforts in various contested cities worldwide. The dominant explanation is cities' unique conditions, like shared spaces, interdependence, or direct contact. Moreover, many studies have argued for the city's political independence from the state and the need to start peace from below. However, cities should offer more than physical and political urban conditions to overcome prejudices over the other side and foster cooperation. In this paper, we present the concept of urban liminal logic to explain how residents from nominally rival groups can foster a shared vision in a contested city. We argue that liminal logic, which reflects the residents' intersectionality of different logics, can initiate this change. We break down such a liminal process in Jerusalem by analyzing focus groups, photovoice, and evaluation questionnaires. The results show the liminal logic through the residents' choices of shared urban problems and visions. Moreover, we show that when a liminal logic is at play, majorities tend to identify with the marginalized group living in inferior conditions. In conclusion, we explain the applicability of liminal logic to other urban and conflict resolution studies and beyond the Jerusalem case. We also point to some practical implications of photovoice, vision fostering, and liminal logic for future peacebuilding projects.