Reflections on the inequalities in the context of the peace studies

Abstract

By way of partial and imperfect state of question, this document covers theories and concepts on two central issues: Inequalities and Peace, by indentifying different connections in both, theoretical fields and social and political actions performed by some iconic figures. Along the way, this paper focuses on imperfect peace, understood as those spaces and instances where is possible to detect actions that create different ways of peace, despite conflictive and violent context.
Although academic settings do recognize the existence of an investigative tradition on inequalities -currently linked with studies about development and design, formulation and implementation of public policy–, its relation with peace theories is less explored. Studies about positive peace just started soon after the second postwar and they overcame the traditional idea of peace as the cessation of direct violence. Positive Peace is the spotlight for studies that recognize the existence of unjust, inequitable and exclusive social and economic structures that must be transformed.