The multiple faces of ‘conscientisation’: exploring links between structural inequalities, education and violence

Education can instil conscientisation and stimulate action against injustice. The Batwa (‘pygmy’) people in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have been severely marginalised. In 2012–2013, violent conflict broke out in Tanganyika, pitting Batwa against dominant groups. Our qualitative interviews evoked a causal relationship between conscientisation–via non-formal human rights education–and violence. Our article dispels this idea. Yet, it demonstrates that conscientisation can circulate beyond the confines of educational activities, and be appropriated by a range of actors, including those calling for violence. We thereby advance a critical discussion of the implications of transformative peace education in conflict-affected contexts. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.