Understanding Positive Peace and Negative Peace
Understanding Positive Peace and Negative Peace
Understanding Positive Peace and Negative Peace
Objective:
To explore the concepts of positive peace and negative peace, and to understand their significance in
promoting sustainable and harmonious societies.
Introduction:
Peace is a complex and multifaceted concept that extends beyond the absence of violence. Two essential
dimensions of peace are positive peace and negative peace. Understanding these dimensions is crucial
for fostering a holistic and enduring sense of tranquility in societies.
I. Negative Peace:
Definition:
Negative peace refers to the absence of direct violence or overt conflict. It is the traditional
understanding of peace as the mere absence of war or physical aggression.
Characteristics:
Ceasefire and Disarmament: Negative peace often involves the cessation of hostilities through
agreements, treaties, or ceasefires. Disarmament measures may be implemented to reduce the
likelihood of renewed conflict.
Stability and Order: The focus is on maintaining stability and order by preventing the outbreak of
violence or armed conflict.
Reactive Approach: Negative peace addresses immediate and visible manifestations of conflict but may
not necessarily address the root causes, underlying tensions, or structural issues that contribute to
instability.
Definition:
Positive peace goes beyond the absence of direct violence and aims to create the conditions for a just
and sustainable society. It is a proactive approach that seeks to address the root causes of conflict and
build a society that fosters well-being and cooperation.
Characteristics:
Social Justice and Equality: Positive peace emphasizes the importance of addressing structural
inequalities, social injustice, and disparities that can lead to conflicts. It seeks to create a society where
everyone has access to resources, opportunities, and basic human rights.
Conflict Prevention: Rather than simply reacting to conflicts, positive peace focuses on preventing
conflicts by addressing their root causes, such as poverty, discrimination, and political instability.
Conclusion:
Both negative peace and positive peace are essential components in creating a stable and just society.
While negative peace provides the immediate relief from violence, positive peace addresses the deeper
issues that can lead to conflict. Striking a balance between these two dimensions is crucial for building
resilient and harmonious communities that can withstand challenges and contribute to the well-being of
all its members.
SAMPLE ACTIVITY
Objective:
To help children understand the concepts of positive peace and negative peace through a hands-on and
creative activity.
Materials Needed:
Once all the puzzle pieces are decorated, have the children come together to assemble a large poster-
sized puzzle on a piece of poster board or paper.
Discuss how the negative peace pieces represent the absence of conflict, while the positive peace pieces
symbolize the elements that contribute to a harmonious and just society.
Reflection (5 minutes):
Ask the children to reflect on the activity. Discuss with them how working together to create the puzzle
reflects the importance of collaboration and understanding in building a peaceful community.
This activity not only engages children in a creative process but also helps them internalize the concepts
of positive peace and negative peace in a tangible and memorable way.
Objective:
To help children understand the concepts of positive peace and negative peace through a hands-on,
collaborative puzzle activity.
Materials Needed:
Blank puzzle pieces (pre-cut or create your own by cutting cardstock or cardboard into puzzle shapes)
Art supplies (markers, colored pencils, crayons)
Large poster board or paper
Glue or tape
Instructions:
Have children write or draw their personal commitments to promoting peace in their daily lives.
Display the completed puzzles and reflections in a common area to serve as a visual reminder of the
lessons learned.
This activity not only engages children in a creative and collaborative process but also provides a tangible
representation of the concepts of positive and negative peace. It encourages reflection on the role each
individual can play in fostering a peaceful community.
Objective:
To explore strategies and initiatives that contribute to the promotion of a peaceful and inclusive school
environment, emphasizing positive peace.
By focusing on these strategies, schools can create a foundation for positive peace, fostering an
environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to contribute to a harmonious
community.