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Pens,Paper, and Peace Processes: A Comparative Study of Education's role in Peacebuilding in South Africa and Northern Ireland

Eberstein Lundberg, Hedda LU (2025) FKVK02 20251
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This thesis explores how formal education reflects the legacies of conflict and contributes to sustainable peacebuilding in Northern Ireland and South Africa. Using a comparative, mixed method approach and drawing on the 4Rs framework– Redistribution, Recognition, Representation, and Reconciliation– the study examines how education systems in both societies address historical divisions. The findings reveal that education policy in both contexts is deeply shaped by past conflicts, with efforts to redress inequalities through resource redistribution, institutional recognition of marginalized groups, and initiatives for integrated schooling. However, the analysis also highlights key differences: while South Africa emphasizes recognition and... (More)
This thesis explores how formal education reflects the legacies of conflict and contributes to sustainable peacebuilding in Northern Ireland and South Africa. Using a comparative, mixed method approach and drawing on the 4Rs framework– Redistribution, Recognition, Representation, and Reconciliation– the study examines how education systems in both societies address historical divisions. The findings reveal that education policy in both contexts is deeply shaped by past conflicts, with efforts to redress inequalities through resource redistribution, institutional recognition of marginalized groups, and initiatives for integrated schooling. However, the analysis also highlights key differences: while South Africa emphasizes recognition and resource redistribution to address enduring racial and socio-economic divides, Northern Ireland’s progress is more apparent in equal access and outcomes between religious groups, though reconciliation remains contested. The study underscores the interdependence of the 4Rs dimensions and the challenges of comparative research, particularly regarding context-specific indicators. Overall, the thesis demonstrates that education serves both as a mirror of societal divisions and as a potential driver for peace. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Eberstein Lundberg, Hedda LU
supervisor
organization
course
FKVK02 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Formal Education, Peacebuilding, Northern Ireland, South Africa, 4Rs framework
language
English
id
9191312
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 11:22:52
date last changed
2025-08-08 11:22:52
@misc{9191312,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores how formal education reflects the legacies of conflict and contributes to sustainable peacebuilding in Northern Ireland and South Africa. Using a comparative, mixed method approach and drawing on the 4Rs framework– Redistribution, Recognition, Representation, and Reconciliation– the study examines how education systems in both societies address historical divisions. The findings reveal that education policy in both contexts is deeply shaped by past conflicts, with efforts to redress inequalities through resource redistribution, institutional recognition of marginalized groups, and initiatives for integrated schooling. However, the analysis also highlights key differences: while South Africa emphasizes recognition and resource redistribution to address enduring racial and socio-economic divides, Northern Ireland’s progress is more apparent in equal access and outcomes between religious groups, though reconciliation remains contested. The study underscores the interdependence of the 4Rs dimensions and the challenges of comparative research, particularly regarding context-specific indicators. Overall, the thesis demonstrates that education serves both as a mirror of societal divisions and as a potential driver for peace.}},
  author       = {{Eberstein Lundberg, Hedda}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Pens,Paper, and Peace Processes: A Comparative Study of Education's role in Peacebuilding in South Africa and Northern Ireland}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}