Cultural brokerage and translation of human rights in the face of cultural opposition: A case of deliberative activism in Israel

Abstract

Over the past two decades, cultural brokerage and translation have become central to the anthropology of human rights. This article sheds new light on the role of cultural brokers as agents capable of placating cultural opposition to human rights. This novel perspective is informed by participant observation at a dialogue group composed of Israeli human rights activists and representatives of one group of their opponents: ultra-Orthodox Mizrahim. This form of activism is called here “deliberative activism” aimed at social learning. This refers to a dialogical activism designed to promote mutual legitimacy and respect between social groups involved in deep cultural conflicts. This activism and the form of translation discovered while observing it—“dialogue-oriented translation”—open new paths for activism that is more equal, reciprocal, and culturally sensitive. However, they also raise new questions regarding the implementation of deliberative principles in activism aimed at advancing human rights.