Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

STRUCTURAL CHANGE DIMENSIONThis level includes structural patterns: ‘how things happen’ and existing structuresthat affect the life of individuals and groups. To explore a conflict, one has to analysethe historical dynamics, the institutions that serve people (who is in, who has privileges,who is marginalized) and are established to meet shared social goals. Questionsin this respect are:Institutional patterns▶ How responsive are the institutions towards the interests of the people?▶ Are the institutions and structures in place successful in fulfillingthe populations’ needs?▶ Is there trust in the organizations and how they function?Social conditionsIssues in conflict may be disparity, inequality, racial or ethnic disadvantage, religion…▶ What are the existing conditions of people at different levels?▶ Who has access to resources and power?▶ Are there historic patterns relating to racism, marginalization, exclusionof groups?Procedural patternsIssues in conflicts may be: lack of transparency, equality, access, participation, fairness…▶ Do all people/members of the community have equal accessto information and an equal say in issues affecting the community?▶ Do all groups take equal part in decision‐making concerning economyor processes that affect the community?▶ Are political, economic or social processes clear and understood by all?CULTURAL CHANGE DIMENSIONCulture describes people’s understanding about the sense of things, how they perceivethemselves and others, the way life has to be (fixed in norms that e.g. guidebehaviour between elders and youths, women and men). Conflicts can cause changesin deep seated cultural issues and vice versa, as culture is embedded in all the otherdimensions, it affects conflict in all aspects. Thus, the issues on the cultural levelmight be very difficult to isolate. Furthermore, assessing cultural resources and patternsis fundamental for the development of strategies, activities and programs. Bearin mind that outsiders should use caution when identifying aspects of culture asnegative or positive.266 V I I I . C O N F L I C T T R A N S F O R M AT I O N