49.072 - Critical Perspectives on Peace Education: Engaging Localized Research and Praxis in the Pursuit of Justice

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium explores the possibilities and limitations of implementing peace education programs in diverse global sites (Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States). Collectively, the papers critically engage the theoretical underpinnings of peace education to illuminate how participants in related programs make meaning of their experiences in these efforts. Drawing from localized qualitative studies in each geographic context, the papers examine multiple ideologies, forces, and institutions that not only shape peace-related programming, but also influence participant engagement within their respective environments. Consequently, the panelists uncover some of the limitations of the normative assumptions that frame these programs (and the field), and suggest through their praxis-oriented research ways to move peace education forward towards its goals of peace and justice.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Peace Education

Chair

• Maria Hantzopoulos, Vassar College

Papers

• Experimenting With Peace Education in the Israeli Context: Critical Perspectives - Zvi Bekerman, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Emotion, Trauma, and Critical Pedagogy: Implications for Critical Peace Education - Michalinos Zembylas, The Open University of Cyprus

• Education and Peace-Building Across the Conflict Continuum in Lebanon - Zeena Zakharia, University of Massachusetts - Boston

• Beyond American Exceptionalism: Centering Critical Peace Education in U.S. Public School Reform - Maria Hantzopoulos, Vassar College

Discussant

• Monisha Bajaj, University of San Francisco