PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION

by Bienvinido L. Gregorio

Chapter One

THEORIES AND PRACTICES IN PEACE, VIOLENCE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Meanings of Peace

1. The Meaning of Peace as the Absence of Violence

Peace maybe defined as the absence of physical and structural violence or peace is the absence
or reduction of violence of all kinds (Galtung, 1990). That is to say that the absence of violence brings
the presence of peace and vice-versa. Take notice, too, that the definition gives two kinds of violence
namely physical and structural violence. By understanding them, we can understand the meaning of
peace. Therefore, violence gives meaning to our search for peace.

Physical violence- This refers to the actual, visible and physical harm done against people and
ecosystem (environment). This type of violence as reflected in some particular acts, which are usually
penalized under existing laws. These are easily seen and felt because of their physical character.
Infractions or violations of criminal laws, for instance, are referred to as physical violence.

Another point to consider is the object to which this physical violence is committed or
perpetuated. It could be a person or a thing in the environment. Violence like murder, genocide, rape
and other crimes have human objects because the violence is committed against persons or humanity.
On the hand, it is environmental object when the act of violence is in the form of environmental
pollution, deforestation, destruction of biodiversity and similar acts is directed against the ecosystem.
Simply put, physical violence is the result of structural violence. The eradication of structural violence
becomes possible only if solutions address the causes at its roots. These root causes are referred to as
the structural violence.

Structural Violence- This refers to that non-physical type of violence perpetuated by society. It is
a “built-in” feature of the system itself. Unlike physical violence, structural violence has no direct object.
However, its effect is far-reaching, more disturbing and long lasting. Structural violence is latent and
hidden beneath the very foundation of society. It is maintained within the system either by those who
benefits from it or by the system’s own flaws or weaknesses. Corruption, poverty, uneven distribution of
economic resources, malnutrition, and prostitution are some examples of structural violence. These
become the causes of some other violence in their physical form. Physical violence persists in a spiral
form unless the structural violence that appears as its root cause is properly addressed.

Questions:

1. After studying or reading the definition of peace, did something change in the way you
understand peace? Is there a difference now from how you understood it before?
2. What are other specific examples of physical violence?
3. What does it mean by the statement “Structural violence is a built-in feature of the system
itself.”?
 4. Based on the above discussion of the definition, what generalization about peace and
violence” can you make?

Activity 1.

Fill-out the table below to show the difference between the two types of violence. Present at least three
aspects at which the two types differ from each other.

Structural violence Physical Violence

Activity 2.

Fill out column one with examples of structural violence and column two with its resulting physical
violence. Be ready to present your work in class.

Structural Violence Physical violence

2. Meaning of Peace as Creative Conflict Transformation

Galtung (1996) explains that peace is a non-violent and creative conflict transformation. Peace is
the context for conflicts to unfold non-violently and creatively. To understand peace, we need to
understand conflict and how the latter may be transformed. The transformation of conflict from its
status quo to its transformed state is crucial in the study of conflict. The concept says that conflicts are
not at all times violent. The non-violent aspect of conflict (non-violence) is the first phase of conflict
transformation. This phase is viewed as an opportunity to bring about changes in the status quo- a
change for the better; a transformed state. Non-violent conflict transformation refers to how conflict is
confronted and resolved. In short, “There is no other way to peace; peace is the way”.

The second phase of conflict transformation is called creative conflict transformation which
refers to the advantages obtained through resolving conflicts. Conflicts present us with different
alternatives for which choices may be selected to transform the status quo. Taking advantage of the
presence of conflict to achieve a better state of things is creative conflict transformation. Conflict
creates a situation whereby a better state of affairs may be achieved. Therefore, one must view conflict
in a positive terms and use non-violent means in solving it. Conflict signals that something has to be
done to improve society. Transformation is more than change. It creates a new and better situation as a
result of the conflict. Conflict arises out of divergent interests.

Questions:

1. What happens when we resolve conflict with violence? Do you think we can attain genuine
peace?
2. What generalization can you make based on the second meaning of peace?

Understanding Conflict

Conflict is amoral. It is neither good nor bad. It should, however, be taken in the light of
improving the status quo. The existence of conflict gives better opportunity to rectify the errors of
society and bring about a transformed state of human affairs. Continuous improvement is not possible
in the absence of signs or clues for change. Establishing the right culture for peace as essential in
dealing with conflicts responsibly. Cooperation is preferred over individuals; dialogue is preferred over
aggression, and the culture of peace is preferred over the culture of war and violence.

In building a culture of peace, certain fundamental processes have to be undertaken. The

process of dialogue is an essential step in resolving conflict. The absence of dialogue raises the
propensity for violence. Peace-making, peace-building, and peace-keeping are essential incremental
steps to continuous dialogue. The process of negotiation, on the other hand, resolves conflict non-
violently. Negotiation puts opposing parties in a win-win state and achieves voluntary agreement
necessary in conflict transformation.

The second definition of peace is related to conflict. It suggests that conflict is not synonymous
with violence. Transformation takes place only when a better understanding of peace is achieved and
that means to be used to achieve peace is in itself peaceful. Both the definitions, however, complement
each other in that the ultimate goal is the creation of genuine and lasting peace.

Points of discussion:

1. After reading or learning about what conflict really is, did it change the way you perceive it?
2. What is the significance of our understanding of conflict in the conflict resolution?
3. What does it mean by establishing a culture of peace?
4. Evaluate the people in your community. Can you honestly say that the people in your
community practice the culture of peace? Why do you say so?
5. Explain the value of negotiation in conflict resolution.
6. What does it mean by a win-win situation? How do we arrive at a win-win state?

Positive and Negative Peace

The concept of peace is defined by many people as the absence of physical violence such as war,
crimes, riots and revolutions, to mention a few. The absence of this physical violence means the
presence of peace. Viewed in this fashion, peace is seen in its nugatory form. This is what we refer to as
negative peace. The absence of physical violence gives rise to the presence of negative peace. It could
therefore be said that a common understanding of peace among the people is a negative one- a narrow
understanding of the concept of peace.

Negative peace is achieved when physical violence is eliminated. Positive peace is attained when
structural violence is eliminated.

Questions:

1. What kind of peace do we attain if we resolve a conflict with violence?

2. What do we achieve if we eliminate only forms of physical violence?
3. To achieve genuine positive peace, what type of violence then do we have to address?
 PEACE PROCESS

Three Aspects of Peace-Making

1. Peaceful thoughts (Realism of the head)

2. Cultural sensitivity (Realism of the heart)
3. Actions for peace (Pragmatism of the hand)

Attributes of Peacemakers: The 7 Cs in Peace-building

1. Compassion
2. Conscientization
3. Constructiveness
4. Conciliation
5. Communion
6. Commitment
7. Contemplation

Filipinos’ Spheres of Peace by Clemena

1. Egocentric peace
2. Acquiescent peace
3. Responsive peace
4. Integrative peace

Questions:

1. What does each mean?

2. What is the significance of these types of peace in attaining long lasting positive peace?

Six Strategies or Paths for Peace

1. Implement political, economic and social reforms

2. Build consensus (agreement), empower people and ensure participation of people at all levels
3. Pursue peaceful negotiations with all rebel groups
4. Implement programs for reconciliation, reintegration to mainstream society and rehabilitation
5. Ensure the welfare and protection of civilians, reduce the impact of the armed conflict on them
6. Build, nurture, and enhance a positive climate for peace

Questions:

1. What happens when only a few sectors of the community participate in the peace process?
2. State the reason why a negotiation with all rebel groups must be pursued in the peace work?
3. What programs of the government do you know that address the rebel groups of the country?
What have been implemented? Do you think these programs are effective? Why do you say so?
4. What does the government do to accomplish no. 5 in the strategies?
Components of the Peace Process

1. Government and empowerment

2. Economic development
3. Healing and reconciliation
4. Enculturation for peace
5. Humanization of conflict

Questions:

1. What does each component mean?

2. What actions will help achieve empowerment of the people in the grass root level?
3. What characteristics of economic development must be pursued as part of the peace process?
4. What must be done to “humanized” conflict?

Theories of Violence

1. Biological theory
2. Psychological Theory
3. Physical/anthropological theory
4. Social science theory
5. Political science theory

Interplay between the Culture of Peace and the Culture of Violence

In the culture of violence, conflict is a source of violence. Conflict breeds a favorable mood where
adversaries make worse of the situation for violence, In the culture of peace, conflict is a healthy ground
for peaceful co-existence. Conflict is viewed as a positive development where some useful and mutually
beneficial solutions may be arrived at. In the culture of peace, dialogue is an important process to
achieve peaceful resolution of conflict. Dialogue achieves cooperation instead of competition and
arrives ar a “win-win” solution to problems.

A win-win solution, as distinguished from win-lose solution, is solving conflicts where both adversaries
gain something out of the conflict settlement. A “win-lose” solution simply settles the conflict with one-
party gaining at the expense of the other.

Examples of Practices of Culture of Peace

1. Satyagraha of Mohandas Gandhi

2. The Agape of Dr. martin Luther King, jr.
3. The Judeo-Christian teachings of Jesus Christ

Levels of Culture of Peace and Violence

1. Personal level
2. Family level
3. Group level
4. Society level
 Danger Zones of Violence

1. Initial emergence and conduct of violence

a. Threat
b. Distortion
c. Regidification
d. Collusion
2. Escalation Period
3. De-escalation period

Meaning of Conflict

Conflict may be defined as a perceived divergence of interest or a belief that the contending parties
current aspirations cannot be achieved simultaneously (Rubin, Pruitt and Kim, 1994). This definition we
adopt tp pursue a more holistic discussion of the topic. First, the definition focuses on the perceived
differences of interests. Second, it focuses on the timing of the realization of differing aspirations. Third,
the definition suggests that conflict results purely out of human interactions. And fourth, conflict is not
necessarily associated with violence.

1. Conflict focuses on the perceived rather than on the actual differences of interest. Focus on people’s
perception, according to Ruin, et.al. (1994), is more useful in determining their courses of action
because people’s perception impacts greatly their behavior. It shows that conflict arises out of
people’s differences of opinions and ideas about something for as long these differences exist,
conflict is inevitable. What matter is not the presence of conflict, but the way it is handled. The
presence of conflict suggests the presence of opportunity for change. As such, conflict must lead to
a transformed condition of development arising out of the conflict situation. In the words of Galtung
(1996), conflict invites transformation. This process leads to what is known as creative conflict
transformation. The term refers to the advantages obtained through resolving conflicts. Conflicts
create situations whereby better conditions may be created given the right and appropriate use of
peaceful means in resolving them. Conflict is a signal that society is in need of change. Differences in
ideas and views are healthy and are good inputs to development planning and action.

2. Conflict focuses on the timing in satisfying human aspirations. Aspirations arise from human needs
and desires that put us at odds with one another. In the process, competitions arise and conflicts are
formed. People’s aspirations cannot simultaneously be satisfied at all times hence, we refrain from
being enslaved by our own greed. This is exemplified in the statement, “There is enough for every
man’s needs but not for everyman’s greed.”
3. Conflict results from human interaction with one another. Conflict is a human affair that can be
resolved by human desire. It is natural for conflict to occur as it is the logical consequence of human
interaction. But the alternatives used in fixing determine the outcome of the conflict. It is stressed
that peaceful means bring about transformed situation while violent means bring destruction. The
choice of the alternatives in conflict resolution is crucial and largely depends on the gravity and type
of the conflict as well as the parties involved.
4. Conflict is not necessarily associated with violence and neither is violence inherent in conflict. While
it may be true that some types of violence stem from some kind of conflict, not all conflicts result in
violence. Galtung (1996) argues that peace is the context for conflict to unfold nonviolently. This
 means that conflict may exist even in times of peace. It all depends on the means used to calculate a
particular outcome. Peaceful means generate peaceful results while unfriendly means generate
antagonistic results. Conflict is also considered amoral. In that, it is neither good nor bad. It should
be taken in the light of improving the status quo. It is the means used in handling conflict that
determines its outcomes, which in most cases, is a matter of choice.

These four dimensions contained in the definition of conflict invoke the process of transformation.
This transformation process involves a conflict resolution process designed to bring about the peaceful
resolution of conflict. Figure 1 below shows this process of transformation.

Violent
Conflict

CONFLICT Non-violent Conflict

means Transformation

Non-violent
Conflict

Figure 1. Transformation Flow

The non-violent means may be used in both the violent and non-violent conflicts. But the use of
violent means will not result in conflict transformation. When violence is used in conflict, the “win-win”
situation could not be achieved. Thus, conflict transformation is not possible, as it is only achievable in a
“win-win’ situation.

Relative Deprivation

Questions:

1. Is conflict good or bad? Why do you say so?

2. Can we possibly eradicate or eliminate conflict? Why do you say so?
3. How crucial is the means or alternatives used or applied in resolving the conflict? What are the
factors affecting the choice of alternative?