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How Legacies of Genocide Are Transmitted in the Family Environment: A Qualitative Study of Two Generations in Rwanda

Author

Listed:
  • Lidewyde H. Berckmoes

    (Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands)

  • Veroni Eichelsheim

    (Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands)

  • Theoneste Rutayisire

    (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), Amsterdam, 1018 WV, The Netherlands)

  • Annemiek Richters

    (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), Amsterdam, 1018 WV, The Netherlands)

  • Barbora Hola

    (Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
    Criminal Law and Criminology, VU University, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and its aftermath led to large-scale individual traumatization, disruption of family structures, shifts in gender roles, and tensions in communities, which are all ongoing. Previous research around the world has demonstrated the transgenerational effects of mass violence on individuals, families and communities. In Rwanda, in light of recurrent episodes of violence in the past, attention to the potential ‘cycle of violence’ is warranted. The assumption that violence is passed from generation to generation was first formulated in research on domestic violence and child abuse, but is receiving increasing attention in conflict-affected societies. However, the mechanisms behind intergenerational transmission are still poorly understood. Based on qualitative research with 41 mothers and their adolescent children, we investigated how legacies of the 1994 genocide and its aftermath are transmitted to the next generation through processes in the family environment in Rwanda. Our findings reveal direct and indirect pathways of transmission. We also argue that intergenerational effects might best be described as heterotypic: genocide and its aftermath lead to multiple challenges in the children’s lives, but do not necessarily translate into new physical violence. Further research is needed on how children actively engage with conflict legacies of the past.

Suggested Citation

  • Lidewyde H. Berckmoes & Veroni Eichelsheim & Theoneste Rutayisire & Annemiek Richters & Barbora Hola, 2017. "How Legacies of Genocide Are Transmitted in the Family Environment: A Qualitative Study of Two Generations in Rwanda," Societies, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:7:y:2017:i:3:p:24-:d:111998
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kati Schindler, 2010. "Who Does What in a Household after Genocide? Evidence from Rwanda," HiCN Working Papers 90, Households in Conflict Network.
    2. Malvern Lumsden, 1997. "Breaking the Cycle of Violence," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 34(4), pages 377-383, November.
    3. Paul Collier & V. L. Elliott & Håvard Hegre & Anke Hoeffler & Marta Reynal-Querol & Nicholas Sambanis, 2003. "Breaking the Conflict Trap : Civil War and Development Policy," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 13938, December.
    4. Rutayisire, Théoneste & Richters, Annemiek, 2014. "Everyday suffering outside prison walls: A legacy of community justice in post-genocide Rwanda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 413-420.
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