Analysis of the South African School Curriculum for Strengthening Peace Education
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| Title: | Analysis of the South African School Curriculum for Strengthening Peace Education |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Lorna Truter (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Peace Education. 2025 22(3):352-371. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 20 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Peace, Secondary School Curriculum, Curriculum Evaluation, Conflict, Racial Segregation, Stranger Reactions |
| Geographic Terms: | South Africa |
| DOI: | 10.1080/17400201.2025.2494506 |
| ISSN: | 1740-0201 1740-021X |
| Abstract: | Education for peace is pivotal to South Africa's efforts to promote harmony and address its deeply rooted conflicts. As the nation confronts the lingering impact of apartheid, as well as current challenges like xenophobia and social exclusion, peace education emerges as a key tool for fostering a future of justice, unity, and respect. Research on integrating peace education into the secondary school curriculum highlights its transformative potential. It not only bridges gaps between diverse communities but also equips students with critical skills like conflict resolution, intercultural communication, and a deeper understanding of human rights. However, significant barriers remain. Deep-rooted societal issues, such as economic inequality and political instability, hinder efforts to promote cohesion among South Africa's diverse populations. Despite the end of apartheid, its legacy persists, manifesting in entrenched prejudices and xenophobia. Xenophobia, though targeting nationalities rather than race, still echoes the segregation of the past. To cultivate a harmonious society, these legacies must be addressed. Moreover, peace education in South Africa is inconsistently implemented across schools, with some institutions fully integrating it and others barely touching upon it. This inconsistency highlights the need for a strengthened and standardized curriculum to ensure peace education becomes a sustained, nationwide initiative. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505325 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Education for peace is pivotal to South Africa's efforts to promote harmony and address its deeply rooted conflicts. As the nation confronts the lingering impact of apartheid, as well as current challenges like xenophobia and social exclusion, peace education emerges as a key tool for fostering a future of justice, unity, and respect. Research on integrating peace education into the secondary school curriculum highlights its transformative potential. It not only bridges gaps between diverse communities but also equips students with critical skills like conflict resolution, intercultural communication, and a deeper understanding of human rights. However, significant barriers remain. Deep-rooted societal issues, such as economic inequality and political instability, hinder efforts to promote cohesion among South Africa's diverse populations. Despite the end of apartheid, its legacy persists, manifesting in entrenched prejudices and xenophobia. Xenophobia, though targeting nationalities rather than race, still echoes the segregation of the past. To cultivate a harmonious society, these legacies must be addressed. Moreover, peace education in South Africa is inconsistently implemented across schools, with some institutions fully integrating it and others barely touching upon it. This inconsistency highlights the need for a strengthened and standardized curriculum to ensure peace education becomes a sustained, nationwide initiative. |
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| ISSN: | 1740-0201 1740-021X |
| DOI: | 10.1080/17400201.2025.2494506 |
