Everyday Peace in the Ecovillage: Unity and Strength through Diversity

Abstract

Abstract: Peace and conflict studies can benefit from studying small, ordinary, peaceful communities, in contrast to focusing on outlier events of violence, conflict and war. As a peace from below approach, the ecovillage model offers insights on how ordinary people innovate new ways to build and sustain peace within a microcosm of society, focusing intensely on the local. The aim of this research is to compare the everyday peace practices in two ecovillages, one in the United States and one in Ghana, how aspects of class, culture and race affect these practices, and what transformations can be seen toward positive peace as a result. Through nine semi-structured interviews with ecovillage members, supplemented with documents and field notes, similar everyday peace practices were discovered. Key findings suggest that in both ecovillages, developing social cohesion through a clearly stated purpose and meaningful daily social interactions, is most fundamental, while dialogue is the most versatile and transformational practice for deepening understanding and promoting peace. Embracing diversity as a benefit for all, helps to transcend histories of oppression and create unity. Narratives revealed stories of transformation of improved financial stability, personal development and unifying relations between groups. Key Words: Ecovillage, Everyday Peace, Conflict, Positive Peace