An Analysis Of Shona Conceptions Of Conflict In Zimbabwe

Abstract

One of the basic premises of Peace Studies is that conflict is inevitable. The inevitability of social conflict suggests that it should not be viewed as a negative force but a resource for social change and development. Thus, it is important to have an understanding of how conflict is perceived, expressed and interpreted by a particular social group. Using participant observations and documentary analysis sources this paper takes Shona peoples of Zimbabwe as a point of reference to argue the case for the importance of understanding the knowledge bank of a particular social group in relation to conflict and to draw lessons for the future. The findings showed that conflict knowledge bank held by a particular social group will always serve as a framework for dealing with social conflict whenever it occurs. In view of the above, this paper recommended that the knowledge bank of every social group should be considered as the entry point for any conflict intervention.