Domestic pedagogies of peace and conflict in Rwandan and Banyamulenge refugee communities in Rwanda

Berckmoes, L.H.; Kwaks, J.; Mukeshimana, V.; Tuyishimire, B.; Jansen, S.; Rutembesa, E.; Rutayisire, T.; Interayamahanga, R.; Kanazayire, C.

doi:doi:10.3167/arcs.2025.110110

Berckmoes, L.H.; Kwaks, J.; Mukeshimana, V.; Tuyishimire, B.; Jansen, S.; Rutembesa, E.; ... ; Kanazayire, C. (2025)

Domestic pedagogies of peace and conflict in Rwandan and Banyamulenge refugee communities in Rwanda

This article investigates domestic pedagogies of peace and conflict, as teaching
and learning about violence in families affected by genocide and war may contribute
to how ordinary people break cycles of conflict or enable its continuities. We draw
on focused ethnographic research with two communities affected by genocide and violence:
Rwandans and Banyamulenge refugees living in Rwanda. We found distinct
patterns in respective communities, with Banyamulenge teaching concrete knowledge
about past experiences and its implications for identity and survival; and Rwandans
largely avoiding sharing of knowledge about the genocide within families but warning
for general carefulness. In both communities, children interpreted the teachings in
their own ways. We argue that domestic pedagogies of peace and conflict may shape
war–peace dynamics, though not in linear ways.

Intergenerational transmission

Rwanda