‘Planning for Hope’: Music as an Object of Research and Practice in Peacebuilding
Author(s):
Mareike Peschau
Publication Year:
2021
Type:
thesis
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Abstract:
Contemporary peacebuilding is faced with the challenge of a growing number of protracted social conflicts that are less responsive to traditional forms of peacebuilding. An alternative approach to peacebuilding, which is currently receiving increased attention by (ethno-)musicologists, is music-based peacebuilding (M&P). In order to understand the dynamics underlying peacebuilding’s adoption of this approach, the thesis investigated in how far music is an object of research and practice in peacebuilding. To answer this question, Bourdieu’s field theory was used to analyse the positioning and structure of M&P in the fields of science and peacebuilding. The analysis was supported by quantitative and qualitative data from a bibliometric analysis of the M&P literature as well as from 13 semi-structured interviews with M&P practitioners. The results showed that M&P remains unrecognised by the wider peacebuilding community as disciplinary borders prevent substantive cross-fertilisation. This dynamic is further exaggerated by a lack of mutual understanding due to divergent languages which existing frameworks are unable to encompass. In order for peacebuilding to adopt new approaches, new frameworks are therefore needed that can reconcile existing concepts of peacebuilding with divergent systems of learning and knowing.
Citation (Chicago Author-Date):
Peschau, Mareike. 2021. “‘Planning for Hope’: Music as an Object of Research and Practice in Peacebuilding.” Master’s, Paris: Sciences Po. https://bibnum.sciencespo.fr/s/catalogue/ark:/46513/sc1753bn.