Policy Press
3 Power and legitimacy: entering the world of the peacebuilder
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Abstract
This chapter introduces two ‘theories of practice’ that invite an analysis of the political, social, and cultural contexts which shape youth sector peacebuilding. Drawing on Lave and Wenger’s work, youth sector peacebuilding is situated as constellations of communities of practice across the globe. Practitioner communities of practice interface with policy communities of practice. Regimes of competence that delineate legitimate practice are inscribed and renewed in interactions between ‘old-timers’ and ‘newcomers’ to peacebuilding. The assumptions around which peacebuilders gather and the ensuing power struggles are explored. Subsequently, Bourdieu’s ideas frame an analysis of power relations in youth sector peacebuilding. This critique presents ideas and approaches of youth sector peacebuilding as an outworking of the economic, social, and cultural power of the state. These lenses offer a critique and analysis of the current state of play and the future hopes for peacebuilding.
Abstract
This chapter introduces two ‘theories of practice’ that invite an analysis of the political, social, and cultural contexts which shape youth sector peacebuilding. Drawing on Lave and Wenger’s work, youth sector peacebuilding is situated as constellations of communities of practice across the globe. Practitioner communities of practice interface with policy communities of practice. Regimes of competence that delineate legitimate practice are inscribed and renewed in interactions between ‘old-timers’ and ‘newcomers’ to peacebuilding. The assumptions around which peacebuilders gather and the ensuing power struggles are explored. Subsequently, Bourdieu’s ideas frame an analysis of power relations in youth sector peacebuilding. This critique presents ideas and approaches of youth sector peacebuilding as an outworking of the economic, social, and cultural power of the state. These lenses offer a critique and analysis of the current state of play and the future hopes for peacebuilding.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of figures and tables iv
- List of abbreviations v
- About the authors vi
- Foreword vii
- Introduction: A critical approach to youth sector peacebuilding 1
- Working with young people in a contested society 16
- Power and legitimacy: entering the world of the peacebuilder 34
- Prewrapped peacebuilding 52
- A peacebuilding typology 69
- Morphology: an analytical tool for peacebuilding 86
- Four viewpoints on youth sector peacebuilding 99
- A new model of youth sector peacebuilding 121
- Radicalising youth sector peacebuilding 133
- Peace activism with and by young people 146
- Conclusion: Reclaiming a political practice 164
- Appendix 168
- Notes 170
- References 171
- Index 196
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of figures and tables iv
- List of abbreviations v
- About the authors vi
- Foreword vii
- Introduction: A critical approach to youth sector peacebuilding 1
- Working with young people in a contested society 16
- Power and legitimacy: entering the world of the peacebuilder 34
- Prewrapped peacebuilding 52
- A peacebuilding typology 69
- Morphology: an analytical tool for peacebuilding 86
- Four viewpoints on youth sector peacebuilding 99
- A new model of youth sector peacebuilding 121
- Radicalising youth sector peacebuilding 133
- Peace activism with and by young people 146
- Conclusion: Reclaiming a political practice 164
- Appendix 168
- Notes 170
- References 171
- Index 196
