Social Representations: Ex-combatants from Illegal Armed Groups and Reintegration Processes

Abstract

Objective.
To describe the social views of a group of university students studying health, regarding ex-
combatants from armed rebel groups in Colombia and their reintegration process.
Method.
A qualitative study
with a procedural approach from the social representations theory was performed. The participants of the
study were 20 health students. The data was collected through two techniques: free association, to develop
the semantic components of the views expressed by participants, and semi-structured individual interviews,
in order to identify the dimensions of information, attitude, and the representational fi eld.
Results.
The study
discovered a frequent prevalence of prejudices against ex-combatants and low prospects of change. A positive
perception regarding reintegration of the ex-combatants and the infl uence of the media regarding the quality
and accessibility of the information about the subjects of representation was identifi ed.
Conclusion.
The
fi ndings suggest that there are diffi culties in the inclusion of this societal group by the participants. Also, they
expressed discrimination and positive expectations related to the reintegration process.