From Conflict to Peace: Exploring Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Nonviolence in Colombia

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https://doi.org/10.17583/rimcis.14470

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Abstract

This study delves into the concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and nonviolence through the experiences of victims, social leaders, and academics involved in Colombia's peacebuilding initiatives. Using focus groups, audio/video recordings, and thematic analysis, the research developed comprehensive categories situated within Bronfenbrenner's bioecological framework. The results indicate that the journey towards forgiveness, reconciliation, nonviolence, and peace encompasses a gradient extending from individual subjective experiences to broader sociocultural contexts. These findings underscore the critical importance of addressing structural inequalities and upholding rights, with implications that resonate profoundly within Colombia's ongoing peacebuilding efforts. Victims provided narratives in a deeply personal and communitarian manner, while leaders and academics emphasized the pivotal role of the State in ensuring rights and addressing inequalities to facilitate forgiveness and reconciliation processes. Overall, the study underscores the complex interplay between personal, societal, and governmental factors in Colombia's peacebuilding efforts, offering valuable insights for future research and policy development.

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Author Biographies

Daniel R. Martínez-Bernal, Universidad de la Costa

Political scientist and historian. PhD in Peace, Conflicts, and Democracy. Postdoctoral research supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Republic of Colombia. Department of Social Sciences. Research topics: Nonviolence, Civil Resistance, Historical Memory, Peace, Conflicts, and Democracy.

Aura A. Cardozo-Rusinque, Universidad de la Costa

Psychologist. PhD in Psychology, Master in Political Studies. Department of Social Sciences, University of the Coast. Research topics: Social Capital as a Psychosocial Resource, Coexistence, and Peacebuilding in School Contexts.

Adriana De la Peña-Leiva, Universidad de la Costa

Psychologist. PhD in Psychology. Master's in Social Development. Department of Social Sciences. Research topics: Intimate Partner Violence, Coexistence, and Peacebuilding in Community Contexts.

Yamile Turizo-Palencia, Universidad de la Costa

Psychologist. PhD in Psychology. Master's in Social Development. Department of Social Sciences. Research topics: Well-being, Forgiveness, Gender-Inclusive Peacebuilding.

Aldair Morales-Cuadro, Universidad de la Costa

Psychologist. Master's in Psychology. Department of Social Sciences. Research topics: Coexistence and Peacebuilding in School Contexts.

Claudia Arenas-Rivera, Universidad de la Costa

Psychologist. Master's in Social Development. Department of Social Sciences. Research topics: Legitimization of Violence and Peacebuilding.

Daniela Montero, Universidad de la Costa

Psychologist. Fellow of the Young Researchers Program of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Republic of Colombia. Department of Social Sciences.

Wendy Medina, Universidad de la Costa

Psychologist. Fellow of the Young Researchers Program of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Republic of Colombia. Department of Social Sciences.

Marina B. Martínez-González, Universidad de la Costa

Psychologist. PhD in Social Sciences. Dean of the Department of Social Sciences. Research topics: Legitimization of Violence, Migrations, Psychosocial Intervention, and Disaster Risk Management.

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Published

2024-11-29

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Martínez-Bernal, D. R., Cardozo-Rusinque, A. A., De la Peña-Leiva, A. ., Turizo-Palencia, Y., Morales-Cuadro, A., Arenas-Rivera, C., Montero, D., Medina, W., & Martínez-González, M. B. (2024). From Conflict to Peace: Exploring Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Nonviolence in Colombia. International and Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences, 13(3), 236–257. https://doi.org/10.17583/rimcis.14470

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