Structural Violence
Definition and Overview
Structural violence is a term commonly used in social sciences to describe social structures that harm or disadvantage individuals. It is a form of violence wherein some social structure or social institution may harm people by preventing them from meeting their basic needs. Structural violence is often embedded in ubiquitous social structures, normalized by stable institutions and regular experience.
Historical Context
The term "structural violence" was first used in the 1960s by Johan Galtung, a Norwegian sociologist, mathematician, and the principal founder of the discipline of peace and conflict studies. Galtung's work focused on the ways in which societal structures harm or disadvantage individuals and groups. He argued that direct violence and structural violence are interdependent, including the idea that the apparent tranquility of structural violence 'shows' only because direct violence is lurking below the surface.
Types of Structural Violence
Structural violence can take many forms, including systemic, indirect, and cultural violence.
- Systemic violence is a type of structural violence that is built into the system and indirectly harms people. This can include economic, political, legal, religious, and cultural systems.
- Indirect violence refers to the physical and psychological harm caused by the way a society is structured that prevents people from meeting their basic needs.
- Cultural violence refers to aspects of culture that can be used to justify or legitimize direct or structural violence.
Causes and Effects
Structural violence is often caused by systemic issues such as poverty, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. These issues can lead to a wide range of effects, including poor health, lack of education, and limited opportunities for social mobility.
Structural Violence and Social Inequality
Structural violence is closely related to social inequality, as it often reinforces existing inequalities by harming disadvantaged groups more than others. This can be seen in many different aspects of society, including the distribution of wealth, access to education, and the criminal justice system.
Structural Violence in Healthcare
Structural violence also plays a significant role in healthcare, where it can lead to disparities in health outcomes. This can be seen in the unequal distribution of healthcare resources, the lack of access to healthcare for certain groups, and the impact of social determinants of health.
Structural Violence in Education
In the field of education, structural violence can manifest as unequal access to educational resources, discriminatory practices, and the marginalization of certain groups. This can lead to disparities in educational outcomes and limit opportunities for social mobility.
Addressing Structural Violence
Addressing structural violence requires systemic change and a commitment to social justice. This can include policy changes, social programs, and efforts to raise awareness about structural violence and its effects.