An Overview of Basic Concepts in Peace Education

What is PEACE? Peace is the absence of violence. Peace is the creative transformation of
conflict.

Violence is the use of unnecessary force and conflict is the diversity of ideas towards one
problem.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF VIOLENCE: Physical and Structural Violence.

Physical violence refers to those that can be perceived – heard, seen, tasted, smelt or felt.
Examples of physical violence are robbery, murder, abuse, etc. While most structural violence
can be penalized by the law, only some structural violence can be penalized and mostly
be seen as rottenness within the society. Examples of structural violence are nepotism,
mishandling of governmental responsibilities, misuse of power, poverty, etc.

STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE IS THE ROOT OF ALL PHYSICAL VIOLENCE.

TWO WAYS TO MAINTAIN PEACE: 1. Resolution of conflict and 2. Creative Conflict
Transformation

CREATIVE TRANSFORMATION OF CONFLICT is the use of conflict to maintain the status
quo of peace.

Conflict can be resolved through DIALOGUE and NEGOTIATION. Dialogue points out the
importance of communication between and negotiation involves the giving in of one of the
parties.

THREE WAYS OF PEACE MAKING:
1. Realism of the head
2. Idealism of the heart

“Talking about peace and telling other people of your interest in peace, without the works of the
hands, are futile and hypocrite.’’

THE C’S OF PEACE MAKING:
1. Compassion
2. Conscientization
3. Constructiveness

CLEMEÑA’S SPHERES OF PEACE FOR FILIPINOS

1. Egocentric Peace – the peace within the person.
2. Acquiescent Peace – Peace brought about by conforming to rules and laws.

3. Responsive Peace – Peace attained through following orders.
4. Integrative Peace – Peace that is felt when there is a spirit of brotherhood.

GOVERNMENT FRAMEWORK IN THE PEACE PROCESS:

1. Political and Economic Realities
2. Muslim Separatist Movement
3. Military Rebellion

SRA is a comprehensive action program based on the Philippines Medium Term Development
Plan.

FRAMEWORKS OF THE SRA:

1. Community-based Peace Process
2. Social Compact or Contract
3. Peaceful Solutions of the Issues

SIX STRATEGIES OR PATH FOR PEACE (FR. MERCADO):

1. Implement political, economic and social reforms.
2. Build consensus, empower the people, and ensure participation of the people of 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 the civilians; reduce the impact of armed conflict on
them.
6. Build, nurture and enhance a positive climate for peace.

FIVE COMPONENTS OF THE PEACE PROCESS

1. Government and Empowerment – Establishment of a political system that encourages
enduring peace.
2. Economic Development – Development must be equitable and sustainable.
3. Healing and Reconciliation—The peace process must include strategies for
psychological and spiritual values formations.
4. Humanization of Conflict – The con-combatant civilians must be spared from the
atrocities of war.