Chapter 3 authors: Pia R. Britto, Ilanit Gordon, Willilam Hodges, Diane Sunar, Cidgem Kagitcibasi, and James F. Leckman

Introduction

The ecology of peace refers to the “vast interconnected ecosystems that extend from our internal biology to our subjective sense of self (i.e., our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors) to the environments (families, communities, societies) in which we live.”

Definition of Constructs

Early Childhood Development (ECD)

“Dynamic interplay between child and the proximal environment that influences development”

Peace and Violence

Peace is psychologically the absence of negative experiences

Direct violence refers to conflict that harms individuals, while structural violence refers to social, political, and economic systems and processes that contribute to discrimination and direct violence

How ECD is Related to Peace

ECD is related to peace in at least three ways. First, early experiences lay the foundation for relations and behaviors in later life. Second, interventions can impact a child’s relationships and behaviors later in life. Third, greater human capital can contribute to peace.

Component 1

Research in epigenetics tells us that differences in maternal behavior can be transmitted across generations, including behaviors that promote peace. Oxytocin and vasopressin are crucial in early-life bonding, and these hormones play an important role throughout human lifespans in terms of fostering good relationships.

Component 2

Interventions that improve aspects of parenting can aid in peacebuilding. Similarly, interventions aimed at early childhood education have tremendous returns for society.

Component 3

Within the ecology of peace framework, targeting individual family units can have tremendous benefits for entire communities as peacebuilding translates into large-scale peacemaking.