A Search for Peace and Justice in Papua New Guinea: Can the study of peace make a difference?

Abstract

Violence in various forms is widespread in Papua New Guinea, so much so that some observers regard it as a way of life. Its major forms are domestic violence, urban criminal violence, tribal warfare and resource-based conflict, exemplified by that in Bougainville. More generally, the adoption of Western models of development has led to increasing structural violence in PNG. Such violence imposes heavy costs in economic, social and personal terms. What can be done to reduce this violence? The usual means used to control violence have proven largely ineffectual and the lays, itself is often used as a means of oppression by the rich and the powerful. This thesis investigates the potential which the study of peace - embracing both an understanding of the principal causes of conflict and of effective ways of resolving it - can have on individuals. The specific question addressed is whether peace studies makes a difference to individuals who study it. Do they change with respect to their holistic understanding of issues, conscientization, critical this king and action for peace and justice? In attempting to answer these questions, a peace studies course was designed, taught and evaluated at the University of Papua New Guinea, following earlier pilot studies. A range of research methods were employed - questionnaires (before and after, control and experimental groups), structured interviews, reflective teaching and the use of learning journals. The students were exposed to the themes and issues for only four months, but the study results suggest that studying peace at tertiary level seems to have considerable potential for contributing to a more peaceful Papua New Guinea.