Exploring subjectivities of peace, violence, and power among the youth in Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is one of the most violent countries in the world, and the vast majority of victims of lethal violence are under 30 years of age. Given this context, it seems important to understand what the perceptions and experiences of young people are regarding peace, violence, and power. This article does this through a study of the views of 153 high school students in nine public institutions in three municipalities. Engaging with the debates on the "local turn" and on youth in peacebuilding, we show that young people, while embracing some values intrinsic to the influential "liberal peace discourse," also express views that are critical of important assumptions that shape such discourse. Students also criticized entrenched dynamics of symbolic violence, such as machismo and racism, factors which affect their subjectivities of empowerment and agency. To reduce violence, participants reiterated the need to change values through critical (peace) education.

What Would Peace look Like in Acapulco? The Views of Local Practitioners and Stakeholders

“…Similarly, Maschietto et al (2022) argue, there is a need to understand local subjectivities of peace and violence. By understanding the grassroots, local perceptions, perspectives and challenges with peace and violence, localised solutions can be facilitated and advocated for (Eversley et al, 2022).…”

“…As MacGinty and Richmond (2013, 770) note,The local turn effectively allows for the reconstruction of emancipation, via the everyday, in an empathetic frame (solidarity), in which subjects have agency (meaning we are all subjects). Structural obstacles to peace can be better redressed, although this may demand radical solutions.Similarly, Maschietto et al (2022) argue, there is a need to understand local subjectivities of peace and violence. By understanding the grassroots, local perceptions, perspectives and challenges with peace and violence, localised solutions can be facilitated and advocated for (Eversley et al, 2022).…”