Siege-mentality and the Book of Deuteronomy

Rogers, John Augustine ORCID: 0000-0002-1482-5391 (2020). Siege-mentality and the Book of Deuteronomy. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis argues that the book of Deuteronomy contains indicators of siege mentality and its author(s) inevitably fostered siege mentality in the community for whom it was written. Recognition and analyses of siege indicators is facilitated by the application of social scientific theory; specifically, the model of siege mentality established by Daniel Bar-Tal and Dikla Antebi, combined with the theories that inform Memory Studies. The original contribution of this thesis is located in the application of these two fields of study to the book of Deuteronomy. A critical analysis of the text thus prioritizes the social and political dynamics of the text, looking closely at themes such as centralization, authority, leadership, collective identity, collective memory and conformity. This involves an interdisciplinary approach which utilizes the fields of psychology, particularly memory and identity studies, sociology which takes into account group dynamics, and political studies, seeking to demonstrate how these disciplines interface. Case studies of Egypt and Mauritius as well as Albania were used to establish the conditions necessary for siege beliefs to develop.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):