The Power of Narratives: Life History Interviewing and Impact Assessment in Peace Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Peace Education Culture

Abstract

This paper argues for the benefits of using life history interview techniques as an approach to assessing the impact of peace education in intractable conflict contexts. Drawing on data from alumni of Israeli encounter programs bringing together Jewish and Palestinian youth, I suggest that life history narratives serve two important roles. First, they provide insight into the mechanisms of program implementation that are particularly salient in shaping outcomes. Second, these narratives allow for the impact of participation in peace education to be contextualized over time and in relation to other experiences in participants' lives.

Author

• Karen Ross, Indiana University