Understanding Conflicts and Violence

These teaching-learning resources begin by defining conflicts as tensions or disagreements that offer choices.  Conflicts are not always negative: they can be handled constructively (peacefully) or destructively (violently).  Our research shows young people’s awareness and concern about many kinds of conflicts, including violent situations, and their desire to discuss and learn about these problems in school.  Participating teachers provide examples of learning activities that acknowledge and listen to young people’s conflict and violent experience, to help them to understand and handle situations.  Next, it is important to recognize that not all conflicts are direct and visible: equity and inclusion conflicts —systemic injustices— also cause harm, and can be handled in ways that alleviate that harm, creating a foundation for durable peace.