Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

Context analysis in peace building and conflict transformation embraces twomain pillars, the dimensions within a society and the levels of society.DimensionAs politics, economics and culture cannot exist without people, within and outsidesociety, the different dimensions carry the term ‘socio’ in front of the specific area ofconcern. The dimension of a society can be distinguished as follows: socio‐political,socio‐economic and socio‐cultural.Socio-political dimensionThis dimension covers issues pertaining to governance. Questions raised couldinclude: How is the political situation? How is the structure of politics? How doespolitics influence my life?▶ modern – traditional rules▶ top – down approach (or vice versa)▶ acknowledging of the values, interests and needs of the people▶ culture of peace or violence▶ ethnication of conflictsSocio-economic dimensionThis dimension entails issues relating to the production and distribution of wealth.Issues may include:▶ living situation, quality of life▶ perception of roles▶ loss of hope or possibilities for overcoming hopelessnessSocio-cultural dimensionThis dimension contains issues pertaining to the ways of customs, beliefs and attitudesof the population. One can examine issues such as:▶ Identity, that includes the aspects of perception, attitude, valuesand rights. Formulated as a question this could be: How do we seeourselves and perceive others? Is identity used as political influence?▶ Crisis of values – who values what and why, are values of differentsocietal groups clashing?▶ Uncertainty – are fear and anxiety present? What do people fear?Do people have shattered dreams; do they feel loss of orientation?▶ What are empowering attitudes?1 . C o n t e x t a n a l y s i s 123