Promoting Peaceful Living in the Society – JSS3 Social Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Peace is a situation in which there is harmony, understanding and good interaction between individuals, communities and nations.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State the meaning of peace.
2. Identify the two types of peace.
3. List the importance of peace in the society.
4. List ways of promoting peace in the society.
5. Name some causes of conflict and ways of settling disputes peacefully.

What is peace?

Peace is a period of absence of chaos, violence and misunderstanding in a society.

• Harmony: people, groups and nations live together without fighting.
• Understanding: people respect each other’s views and way of life.
• Good interaction: people trade, work and play together freely.
• Safety: citizens do not live in fear of attack or insecurity.

What are the types of peace?

There are two types of peace: positive peace and negative (uneasy) peace.

Positive peace

• Meaning: people naturally or normally live together in harmony and have a cordial relationship.
• Basis: it comes from the willingness of the people themselves, not from force.
• Example: neighbours of different tribes and religions living together happily in the same street.

Negative or uneasy peace

• Meaning: peace that is forced on people.
• How it is kept: people are made to stay together peacefully through police or military action.
• Example: peace-keeping forces have been used in war-ravaged areas like Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan, Iraq and Liberia.

Difference between positive and negative peace

Why is peace important?

Peace is important because a society can only grow when its people are safe and united.

• Unity: people of different groups live as one nation.
• Progress: schools, hospitals and roads can be built and used.
• Co-operation: people work together to solve common problems.
• Tolerance: people accept those who are different from them.
• Economic development: farmers, traders and investors work without fear of losing their goods.
• Political stability: government runs smoothly and power changes hands in order.
• Removes fear of insecurity: people can move about freely by day and night.
• Makes government programmes and policies work: projects are carried out without disruption.

What are the causes of conflict in a society?

Conflict arises when peace is broken by unfair treatment, quarrels or lack of understanding.

• Intolerance: refusal to accept other people’s religion, tribe or opinion.
• Injustice: unfair treatment or favouritism in sharing jobs and amenities.
• Abuse of human rights: denying people their basic freedoms.
• Poor communication: rumours and misunderstanding between people or groups.
• Disputes over resources: quarrels over land, boundaries and other resources.
• Political rivalry: unhealthy competition for power.

How can peace be promoted in the society?

Peace can be promoted when individuals, groups and government treat people fairly and settle disputes early.

• Tolerance: respect the religion, culture and views of others.
• Fairness and justice: treat everyone equally and punish wrongdoers according to the law.
• Protection of human rights: allow every citizen to enjoy their lawful freedoms.
• Communication: talk to one another and clear up misunderstandings quickly.
• Encouraging peace: teach peace in the home, school, places of worship and the media.
• Proper use of resources: share and manage resources well so that no group feels cheated.

How can disputes be settled peacefully?

Disputes are settled peacefully by talking and agreeing, not by fighting.

1. Dialogue: the people involved meet and discuss the problem.
2. Negotiation: both sides bargain and agree on a fair settlement.
3. Mediation: a neutral person, such as a elder or religious leader, helps both sides to agree.
4. Arbitration: a neutral person or panel hears both sides and gives a decision.
5. Court action: the matter is taken to a court of law for a ruling.

Who helps to promote peace in the society?

Many people and bodies help to keep peace in the society.

• Family: parents teach children respect, honesty and self-control.
• School: teachers and prefects settle quarrels and teach good conduct.
• Religious bodies: they preach love, forgiveness and respect for others.
• Traditional rulers: they settle disputes in the community.
• Government and police: they make and enforce laws and protect lives and property.

Evaluation

1. What is peace?
2. Name the two types of peace and explain each one.
3. State four importance of peace.
4. List four ways of promoting peace in the society.
5. Name three ways of settling a dispute peacefully.

Assignment

Write a short note on peace. Define it, explain negative or uneasy peace with one example of where it has been used, and list five importance of peace in the society.