How Legacies of Genocide Are Transmitted in the Family Environment: A Qualitative Study of Two Generations in Rwanda

Abstract

Abstract:The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and its aftermath led to large-scale individual traumatization, disruption of family structures, shifts in gender roles, and tensions in communities, which are all ongoing. Previous research around the world has demonstrated the transgenerational effects of mass violence on individuals, families and communities. In Rwanda, in light of recurrent episodes of violence in the past, attention to the potential 'cycle of violence' is warranted. The assumption that violence is passed from generation to generation was first formulated in research on domestic violence and child abuse, but is receiving increasing attention in conflict-affected societies. However, the mechanisms behind intergenerational transmission are still poorly understood. Based on qualitative research with 41 mothers and their adolescent children, we investigated how legacies of the 1994 genocide and its aftermath are transmitted to the next generation through processes in the family environment in Rwanda. Our findings reveal direct and indirect pathways of transmission. We also argue that intergenerational effects might best be described as heterotypic: genocide and its aftermath lead to multiple challenges in the children's lives, but do not necessarily translate into new physical violence. Further research is needed on how children actively engage with conflict legacies of the past.

Трансгенерациска Виктимизација И Трансгенерациска Виктимост: Дефиниции, Начини На Пренесување И Последици

“…Според него родителите кои го преживеале холокаустот се разликувале од останатите родители само во однос на промената на улогите родител -дете каде детето поради грижа за родителот ја презема "родителската функција". Истиот наод се потврдува и во истражувањето на Даниели со соработниците (Danieli et al, 2015) и истражувањето на мајките од Руанда спроведено од страна на Беркмос со соработниците (Berckmoes et al, 2017).…”

“…Беркмос со соработниците (Berckmoes et al, 2017) интервјуирале мајки кои го преживеале геноцидот во Руанда и нивните деца. Откриле дека мајките не ги споделувале своите искуства со децата и се надевале дека такви настани нема да се случат во иднина.…”

Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Services Utilization at Kabutare District Hospital of Rwanda: Perspectives From Patients

“…The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda killed more than a million people in only a short time (Barrow, 2016 ) and has affected nearly all Rwandans, and its effects still occur as one of the factors of a higher rate of mental disorders (Saraceno et al, 2007 ). However, although the government of Rwanda has made efforts to combat with mental disorders associated with this hazardous event through availing financial and human resources for proving mental healthcare services appropriately, the provision of efficient and effective mental health services remains a challenge (Berckmoes et al, 2017 ; Negash et al, 2020 ). Later, preceding studies found a remarkable improvement in providing mental health services due to an increase in financial and human resources and increase in the quality of the services provided (Mutuyimana et al, 2019 ).…”

‘No-One Can Tell a Story Better than the One Who Lived It’: Reworking Constructions of Childhood and Trauma Through the Arts in Rwanda

“…Numerous surveys have estimated the prevalence of PTSD and other mental disorders, including among children, typically registering high prevalence rates (Dyregrov et al 2000;Kayiteshonga et al 2018;Munyandamutsa et al 2012;Schaal and Elbert 2006). There has been increasing attention to the well-being of the 'second generation' born after 1994, amid concerns of ITT (Berckmoes et al 2017;Rudahindwa et al 2020).…”