Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

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Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies

First Advisor

Elena P. Bastidas

Second Advisor

Ismael Muvingi

Third Advisor

Cheryl Duckworth

Keywords

Community-based conflict, Conflict in organizations, Global conflict, Interpersonal conflict, Peace education

Abstract

Peace education is arguably one of the underappreciated areas of study within the social sciences. Many lifelong, dedicated peace education professionals often feel undervalued by the military-industrial complex apparatus. Influential individuals and corporations that thrive in chaotic and conflicting environments every so often underestimate the relevance of peace educators. Educators find among academic and professional students an intensified urgency to learn the skills necessary to address real-world conflict; however, these courageous individuals are seemingly battling powerful forces with wealth and power. Although such happenings can be demoralizing, it is slowly galvanizing dedicated peace educators to evolve by altering their skill sets, remaining resilient, and growing from the ongoing challenges. In this dissertation, I sought to investigate the lived experiences of peace educators and explore, through their voices, the challenges they face as global conflicts spiral out of control. This study aims to share the peace educators’ voices first-hand. From the findings, the study unveils some of the invisible structural and systemic issues that often undermine peace educators’ efforts. Participants’ storylines showed that the job is interdisciplinary, transformative, and holistic. Bringing forth the narratives and interpreting their stories were pivotal in unearthing peace educators’ involvement in designing programs, developing conflict management strategies, and deepening their understanding of educational policies.

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