ABSTRACT
The findings presented identify common themes in how these local peacebuilders interpret victimhood and reconciliation in their conflict narratives, and the chapter concludes by discussing how these particular representations support their motivations to work towards reconciliation. In particular, as explored in the chapter, the biased ways in which collective conflict narratives often represent conflict-related victimhood can provide a significant barrier to individuals developing motivations to pursue reconciliation. This chapter aims to contribute insights in this area by analyzing the conflict narratives of local peacebuilders in post-conflict Northern Ireland and exploring the interplay between how they represent conflict-related victimhood and their framing of reconciliation as a desirable and important goal for their society. Instead, the chapter points to how collective conflict narratives that continue to circulate widely in post-conflict societies often disseminate exclusive representations of conflict-related victimhood, deterring members of that identity group from viewing reconciliation as a legitimate goal.
