Structural violence refers to any scenario in which a social structure perpetuates inequality, causing avoidable suffering. In studying structural violence, we examine the ways in which social structures can have a disproportionately negative impact on particular groups and communities.
The concept of structural violence gives us a way to consider how and in what ways these negative impacts occur. As well as what can be done to reduce such damage.
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The term structural violence was coined by the Norwegian sociologist Johan Gultang. In his 1969 article, “Violence, Peace and Peace Research”, Gultang argued that structural violence explained the negative power of social institutions and systems of social organization among communities marginalized.
It is important to distinguish Gultang's concept of violence from the term as traditionally defined. Gultang defined structural violence as the root cause of differences between people's potential reality and their actual circumstances.
For example, potential life expectancy in the general population can be significantly higher than the actual life expectancy of members of disadvantaged groups. This is due to factors such as racism, economic inequality or sexism. In this example, the discrepancy between potential and actual life expectancy results from structural violence.
Structural violence allows for more nuanced analyzes of the social, cultural, political, economic and historical forces that shape inequality and suffering. It creates an opportunity to seriously consider the role of different types of marginalization. Examples are sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia and/or poverty.
This form of violence helps explain the multiple and often intersecting forces. They create and perpetuate inequality on multiple levels. For both individuals and communities.
She also highlights the historical roots of modern inequality. The inequalities and sufferings of our time often unfold in a broader story of marginalization. This framework provides a critical context for understanding the present in terms of its relationship to the past.
For example, marginalization in postcolonial countries often connects closely with their colonial histories. Just as inequality in Brazil must be considered in relation to complex histories of slavery, immigration and politics.
