Coursera: Violence in a Structural and Cultural Context

Summary

Professor Pamela Scully explores the concept of violence in both structural and cultural contexts. She defines structural violence as the systemic inequalities embedded in political and economic systems that harm individuals and communities. Scully also examines cultural forms of violence, such as corporal punishment and marital rape, showing how cultural norms shape our understanding of violence. Through evolving research on wartime rape, she highlights how perspectives on violence change over time, influenced by societal, cultural, and historical factors. This comprehensive approach urges a deeper understanding of the complexities of violence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Structural violence refers to avoidable harm caused by social, political, and economic systems that prevent people from fulfilling their potential.
• 😀 John Galtung defined structural violence in 1969 as an impairment of fundamental human needs, such as racism, sexism, and ageism.
• 😀 Structural violence is embedded in society's political and economic arrangements, which often harm marginalized groups.
• 😀 Paul Farmer expanded on structural violence, incorporating political and economic inequalities that put individuals and populations in harm's way.
• 😀 Violence is not just physical; it can be shaped by societal, political, and economic contexts that influence who is likely to be a victim or perpetrator.
• 😀 Cultural violence is violence that is normalized in society, such as the practice of spanking children, which may be viewed differently in various countries.
• 😀 Research on corporal punishment shows that practices like spanking can lead to negative outcomes like poor self-esteem, mental health issues, and future violence.
• 😀 Different countries have different laws regarding corporal punishment, with 38 nations outlawing physical punishment of children, showing a shift in cultural norms.
• 😀 Marital rape was not considered a crime in many countries until the feminist movements of the 20th century, with the U.S. legalizing it only in 1976.
• 😀 Understanding of violence changes over time; rape in wartime, for example, was once seen as a byproduct of war but is now recognized as a deliberate weapon of violence.

Q & A

What is structural violence, and how was it defined by John Galtung?

Structural violence, as defined by John Galtung in 1969, refers to the avoidable impairment of fundamental human needs. It includes systemic inequalities such as racism, sexism, and ageism, which are embedded in the political and economic structures of society, causing harm to individuals.

How does Paul Farmer's work expand on the concept of structural violence?

Paul Farmer expands on the concept of structural violence by highlighting political and economic inequalities that put individuals and populations in harm's way. His work emphasizes that such inequalities are not just social issues but are violent because they directly harm people, preventing them from fulfilling their potential.

How does structural violence relate to the political and economic organization of society?

Structural violence is deeply linked to the political, economic, and social conditions of a society. These arrangements are violent because they create conditions that harm people, either through direct injury or by preventing them from achieving their basic human needs and potential.

What role does culture play in the understanding of violence?

Culture plays a significant role in how violence is understood and enacted. Cultural norms and practices, such as views on corporal punishment or marital rape, can define what is considered acceptable violence in different societies, showing how violence can be culturally embedded.

How does the practice of spanking children relate to violence, and what does research suggest about its effects?

Spanking children, though often culturally accepted, has been associated with negative outcomes such as child abuse, poor self-esteem, and impaired parent-child relationships. Studies show that individuals who were spanked as children are more likely to engage in violent behavior as adults, such as abusing their own children or spouse.

How do legal and societal attitudes toward corporal punishment differ across countries?

Attitudes toward corporal punishment vary significantly by country. In some nations, such as Sweden, Croatia, and Brazil, corporal punishment is outlawed, reflecting a shift in societal views against its use. In other countries, cultural practices and laws may still condone or ignore corporal punishment, indicating diverse views on what constitutes acceptable violence.

What is the significance of recognizing marital rape as a form of violence?

Recognizing marital rape as a form of violence is crucial because it challenges traditional views on marriage and consent. In some cultures, consent is viewed as given once the marriage contract is signed, allowing for non-consensual sex within marriage. Legal recognition of marital rape helps shift societal perceptions and protects the autonomy and rights of individuals, particularly women.

How has the legal understanding of marital rape evolved over time?

The legal understanding of marital rape has evolved significantly. In the United States, marital rape was not recognized as a crime until 1976, largely due to the efforts of feminist movements. On the global stage, various countries, such as South Africa, began recognizing marital rape as a form of gender-based violence starting in the 1990s.

What role does research play in shifting our understanding of violence in wartime?

Research has played a key role in shifting our understanding of wartime violence, particularly the use of rape as a weapon of war. What was once seen as a byproduct of conflict is now acknowledged as a deliberate and violent act, with new studies emerging about the sexual violence in wars such as World War II, the Vietnam War, and the ongoing conflicts in Syria and the DRC.

Why is it important to consider structural conditions when studying violence?

Considering structural conditions when studying violence is important because these conditions—such as economic disparities, political systems, and cultural norms—often create the context for both the perpetration and victimization of violence. A deeper understanding of these conditions helps to address the root causes of violence and offers solutions to prevent it.