Peace studies midterm

structural violence

harm caused by social systems that prevent people from meeting their basic needs (healthcare, education, safety) even is no one is actively hurting them

direct violence

physical harm or aggressive actions done by individuals or groups like war, assault, or murder

“socio-cultural” violence

violence expressed through culture, language, or norms (racism, sexism, homophobia) that devalues certain groups

Schirch’s map of peacebuilding

• waging conflict nonviolently

• reducing direct violence

• transforming relationships

• building capacity

primate comparison (peace & violence in biology)

studies show primates (bonobos/chimpanzees) show peaceful and violent behaviors. humans share these tendencies, meaning it is part of our nature, not just violence

systems and social systems

systems are organized structures (schools & government)

social systems involve relationships and roles among people that influence how society functions

social institutions

big structures in society (family, religion, education, and legal system) that shaped behavior and beliefs

positive peace

more than just the absence of war, it's about fairness, justice, and meeting everyone’s needs

negative/neutral peace

the absence of direct violence, but with ongoing injustice or tension (ceasefire w/out real solution)

positive peace infrastructure

structures that support long term peace (fair laws, strong education, accessible healthcare, inclusive communities)

milgram’s “obedience” experiment

study showing that people are likely to follow authority, even if it means harming others, raising questions about responsibility and ethics

zimbardo’s prison experiemnt

college students act as prisioners and guards. the “guards” became abusive, showing how roles and environments can lead to violence

the “group” and “groupthink”

groups influence behavior. Groupthink happens when people go along with the group to avoid conflict, even if its wrong

violence and PTSD

experiencing or witnessing violence can lead to PTSD, a serious mental health condition that affects behaviors and emotions

peace research, studies, education

an academic field that explores the causes of conflict and ways to build peach through learning, research, and action

H. Wood - forms of power

power over - control or domination

power with - cooperation and shared strength

power within - inner confidence and purpose

power to - ability to take action and make change

rights, needs, values (schirch)

understanding conflict means looking at what people:

• have a right to (safety or freedom)

• need (food or belonging)

• value (religion or identity)

waging conflict nonviolently

using peaceful means (protests) to address issues

reducing direct violence

stopping war or physical harm

transforming relationships

rebuilding trust and connection

building capacity

strengthening systems and leadership to support peace