The impact of cultural pluralism on peace-building in divided societies : insights from post-Apartheid South Africa

• Main Author: Bollaert, Catherine
• Published: Ulster University 2016
• Subjects: 305.8
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.694231

Using the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa as a case study, the thesis explores the impact of cultural pluralism on peace-building in divided societies. More specifically, it investigates the relationship between the process of meaning-making and interpretations of peace, and the impact this had on intergroup relations and building a sustainable peace. While the thesis is not focused on transitional justice as such, it recognises the significance that variables such as identity, culture and worldview have on building a sustainable peace. The study is located within the constructivist's research paradigm and was carried out using qualitative research methods. It employed grounded theory as its strategy of inquiry, and includes data from 38 leaders within the age bracket of 30-45 years, who are functioning within either the business, political or the religious sector, and who are representative of the race and ethnic groups within KZN. Adding to the novelty of the research, it incorporates perspectives of new communities into its scope of study. The research contributes to understanding the impact that transitions have on shaping identities and to how identity, culture and worldview is theorised within the field of peace-building and transitional justice. It also raises important considerations for hybrid approaches to peace-building which engage with western and non-western ontological assumptions and systems of meaning-making. When thinking about transitions it is important that consideration is given to the way in which the different groups interpret key concepts such as reconciliation, accountability, and nation-building, and the way values such as loyalty and respect, are prioritised. To build a peace that can be sustained, the thesis argues that societies in transition will have to find ways of accommodating different belief systems or, alternatively, belief systems will need to alter to assimilate the changes in a society.