The children of colonization: Privilege and justice in conflict

Abstract

The thesis is an in-depth exploration of the role privilege plays in subverting social justice, despite 'best intentions', within day-to-day life and within conflict studies discourse and practice. The thesis explores the constituting dynamics within privilege, how these dynamics become 'socially acceptable notions of common sense in everyday life', and how such common sense undermines social justice at every turn, despite best intention. A central component explored is the exploitation of the desire 'to be'. The exploitation of the desire to be, combined with enticement toward anticipated or real privilege, is central in driving consent to even the most subtle forms of everyday coercion from 'ordinary' hierarchy to acceptance of and participation in the violence of totalitarian regimes. The author traces this dynamic across a wide range of conflicts and contexts. The thesis challenges those in conflict studies and peace practice to rigorous self-critical reflection in action in context.