The concern of Myth Values Theory is peace for the world. It is a viable tool with a fundamentally new rationale for creating social order based on respect and recognition of cultural diversity, heritage, justice and equality thus eliminating ethnic and racial conflicts and wars which take away energy necessary for positive personal and social development. The theory was first published in 2017 as a Chapter “Inter-ethnic Conflicts: Understanding the Important Role of Folktales” in the book, Handbook of Research on Examining Global Peacemaking in the Digital Age. It was later, in 2019, published in a revised version as a Chapter in the book, “Myth Values: An Approach to Understanding Ethnic Conflict” in the book, Fundamental Theories of Ethnic Conflict: Explaining Causes of Ethnic and Racial Hate. Since then, it has been used in a wide variety of disciplines including education, political science, international relations, administration, anthropology, community development and religious studies to mention but a few.
The Myth Values Theory offers a new interpretation of mythology and folklore, giving them back their ancient role and making them fresh for their purpose in today’s human life – both individual and social. Societies are built upon cultures, including social structures which stand on myth values. You can, therefore, describe cultures as the tangible or visible forms of the myth values propagated by myths and legends within a community. Folklore – traditional narratives and language (epics, magic tales, legends, jokes, folk drama), traditional dress and costumes (professional clothing, sports uniforms, hairstyles), traditional beliefs (religions, superstitions, ethical values), traditional material culture and objects (architecture, folk art of all kinds), traditional music and dance etc were all geared towards promoting the community myth values. You can read more about the Myth Values Theory in the following books:
1) M. wa Kyendo, (2019). “Myth Values: An Approach to Understanding Ethnic Conflict”. Fundamental Theories of Ethnic Conflict: Explaining Causes of Ethnic and Racial Hate by Muli wa Kyendo (Ed)
2) M. wa Kyendo, (2017). “A Movement for Social Change with Folktales”. Strategies for Peace by Bruce Cook and Maria Cristina Azcona (Eds).
3) M. wa Kyendo, (2018). “Inter-ethnic Conflicts: Understanding the Important Role of Folktales”. Handbook of Research on Examining Global Peacemaking in the Digital Age by Bruce Cook (ed)
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Fundamental Theories of Ethnic Conflict: Explaining the root causes of ethnic and racial hate
This book develops and expands on theories that aim at explaining the root causes of ethnic and racial conflicts. The aim is to shift focus from research, policies and strategies based on tackling the effects of ethnic and racial conflicts, which have so far been ineffective as evidenced by the increase in ethnic conflicts, to more fundamental ideas, models and strategies. Contents extend across many disciplines including evolution, biology, religion, communication, mythology and even introspective perspectives.
Drawn from around the world, contributors to the book are respected and experienced award-winning authors, scholars and thinkers with a deep understanding of their special fields of contribution. The book was inspired by the conditions in Kenya, where ethnic violence flared up with terrifying consequences following a disputed election in 2008. Although the conflict was resolved by the intervention of the international community, Kenyans – like many other Africans – continue to live in fear of ethnic conflicts breaking out with more disastrous consequences. The book will be useful to policymakers, NGOs and others involved in promoting peace. It will also be useful in guiding research and as a textbook in universities and colleges.