Back to: Jss3 Social Studies (NVE)

Introduction

Promoting peaceful living in society is an essential component of creating a better world for everyone. Peaceful coexistence is the foundation of a healthy society that allows people to live, work and interact with one another in a harmonious and respectful manner. It is a critical aspect of social development and progress that is necessary for individuals to lead fulfilling and prosperous lives.

Living in a society that values peace and harmony helps to reduce conflicts and tensions that can arise due to differences in culture, beliefs, and lifestyles. It allows individuals to express themselves freely and pursue their goals without fear of discrimination or harm. Additionally, a peaceful society promotes mutual understanding and acceptance, leading to increased empathy and compassion towards one another.

Promoting peaceful living requires collective efforts from individuals, governments, and other institutions to foster a culture of peace and non-violence. It involves promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and conflict resolution strategies that are aimed at mitigating tensions and creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Meaning of Peace

Peace refers to the friendly coexistence between diverse groups of individuals, characterized by a lack of violence, conflicts, and fear of violence. It can be described as a state of tranquility and harmony, in which individuals are free from any form of hostility or disagreement. Peace is an essential foundation for healthy relationships, both at the interpersonal and international levels. It is vital in promoting social and economic welfare, which is necessary for people’s prosperity. In a peaceful environment, individuals live together happily, fostering a sense of unity and mutual understanding.

Types of Peace

There are two types of peace namely: Negative peace and positive peace.

Negative Peace

This is a reference to the lack of violence. When a ceasefire is announced, negative peace will follow. The reason it is considered negative is that it is the result of an undesirable circumstance that brought an end to the violent conflict. In essence, negative peace is the absence of overt aggression, but it does not necessarily imply that the underlying issues have been resolved.

Positive Peace

Positive Peace is characterised by the presence of affirmative actions, such as promoting reconciliation and mending relationships, building social systems that cater to the entire population, and resolving conflicts in a constructive and mutually beneficial manner. It involves actively working towards addressing the root causes of conflict and creating an environment in which all individuals can thrive and coexist peacefully. Positive Peace recognises that peace is not just the absence of violence, but also the presence of a just and equitable society

Peace does not equate to a complete absence of conflict. Rather, it means that all forms of violence are absent. A peaceful state is achieved when individuals interact without resorting to violence and manage their disputes in a positive manner that takes into account the needs and interests of all parties involved. In such an environment, conflict is approached with respect and handled in a way that benefits everyone. The absence of violence creates an opportunity for individuals to communicate and collaborate, paving the way for a more harmonious society. Ultimately, peace is not just a destination, but an ongoing process of managing conflict and fostering understanding between different individuals and communities.

Importance of Peace

While it’s feasible to obtain all sorts of luxuries, accessories, and comforts, peace is something that can’t be bought or earned. Given the pressures of modern life, many individuals search for peace and happiness. The significance of peace to humanity is as follows.

1. Peace is the foundation for the progress and development of a society. In a peaceful environment, individuals can focus on their work and contribute to the betterment of society. 
2. Peace ensures that people can live without fear, stress or anxiety, enabling them to lead fulfilling and happy lives.
3. Peace fosters an atmosphere of respect, understanding and cooperation between different communities, resulting in a more harmonious and tolerant society. Fourthly, peace is essential for the preservation of human rights and the rule of law, which are critical elements of a just and fair society.
4. Peace is a fundamental aspect of human existence, providing the necessary conditions for human growth, development and fulfilment. It’s not just an absence of conflict, but a state of being that enables individuals to live with dignity, respect and a sense of security.
5. Peace guarantees the absence of violent conflict within a community. This means that individuals can coexist in a secure and harmonious environment, free from physical harm and the fear of violence.
6. Peace plays a crucial role in promoting progress and development in a society. In the absence of conflict, individuals can focus on their personal and professional growth, contributing to the betterment of the community. A peaceful environment fosters innovation and creativity, which are essential components of progress and development.
7. Healthy relationships among people are deeply entrenched in a peaceful society. When individuals interact peacefully, mutual respect, understanding and cooperation flourish, leading to stronger social ties and a greater sense of community.
8. Peace is closely linked to happiness, particularly in the workplace. When workers are free from the stress and anxiety associated with conflict, they can focus on their jobs and perform to the best of their abilities. A peaceful working environment promotes job satisfaction, resulting in a happier and more productive workforce.

Ways of Promoting Peace

Various ways through which peace can be promoted in a society are:

1. Tolerance is essential for promoting peace and harmony in a society. When individuals tolerate one another, they accept their differences and learn to live together in a spirit of cooperation and understanding.
2. Practicing social justice is another important element in building a peaceful society. Social justice involves ensuring that all individuals have access to basic needs and services, regardless of their social or economic status. When social justice is upheld, everyone is treated fairly and equitably, reducing the likelihood of conflict.
3. Respecting each other’s human rights is crucial for promoting peace and harmony. This means acknowledging the inherent dignity of all individuals and upholding their rights to freedom, equality and justice. When human rights are respected, individuals feel valued and secure, which contributes to a peaceful society.
4. An even and equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth is also essential for promoting peace and harmony. When resources are distributed fairly, individuals are less likely to feel disenfranchised or marginalised, reducing the likelihood of conflict and promoting social cohesion.
5. Emphasising what unites people is an important step towards building a peaceful society. This involves focusing on shared values, goals and aspirations, and finding common ground among individuals and communities. When individuals feel connected to one another, they are more likely to work together towards a shared vision for society.
6. Dissociating or de-emphasising what divides people, such as ethnicity, religion or race, is also critical for promoting peace and harmony. This involves recognising and respecting differences, while also finding ways to bridge divides and build a sense of unity among diverse communities. When individuals can see past their differences and come together for a common purpose, a more peaceful and harmonious society can be achieved.
7. Building strong institutions that are transparent and accountable is important for promoting peace and stability. Strong institutions, such as an independent judiciary, a free press, and a strong civil society, help to ensure that power is distributed fairly, and that the rule of law is upheld. This reduces the likelihood of conflict, as individuals have faith in the institutions that govern them.
8. Investing in education and training is important for building a peaceful society. Education helps to empower individuals, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to participate fully in society. When individuals are educated, they are more likely to contribute positively to their communities, reducing the likelihood of conflict and promoting peace.
9. Providing access to healthcare and other basic services is crucial for promoting peace and harmony. When individuals have access to basic services, they are less likely to feel marginalised or left behind, reducing the likelihood of conflict. In addition, providing access to healthcare and other basic services can help to build a sense of community, as individuals come together to support one another in times of need.
10. Encouraging active citizen participation in decision-making is important for building a peaceful society. When individuals feel that their voices are being heard, they are more likely to feel invested in the decisions that affect their lives. This can help to build a sense of ownership and responsibility for the community, reducing the likelihood of conflict and promoting peace.