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The Anthropology of Peace and Nonviolence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2024

Leslie E. Sponsel
Leslie E. Sponsel*
Affiliation:
University of Hawai’I, USA
*
Leslie E. Sponsel, Department of Anthropology, University of Hawai‘i – Saunders Hall 346, 2424 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822-2223 USA. Email: sponsel@hawaii.edu
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Abstract

The pioneering ideas of Glenn D. Paige for a paradigm shift from killing to nonkilling are highlighted. The relevance of anthropology for this paradigm is advanced. The accumulating scientific evidence proves that nonviolent and peaceful societies not only exist, but are actually the norm throughout human prehistory and history. This scientific fact is elucidated through a historical inventory of the most important documentation. Ethnographic cases are summarized of the Semai as a nonviolent society, the transition from killing to nonkilling of the Waorani, and the critiques of the representation of the Yanomami as a killing society. Several of the most important cross-cultural studies are discussed. The assertions of some of the most vocal opponents to this paradigm are refuted. The systemic cultural and ideological bias privileging violence and war over nonviolence and peace is documented.

Type
Articles
Information
Diogenes , Volume 61 , Issue 3-4: Theories and Practices of Non-Violence , August 2014 , pp. 30 - 45
Copyright
Copyright © ICPHS 2016

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