Author: Kalpalata Dutta

In the previous blog post on the relationship between conflict and human rights, I had talked about violent conflict and its interconnection with human rights. In this post, we will attempt to understand the different types or dimensions of violence with the help of the framework on conflict theory provided by Johan Galtung.

How do we understand violence?

Johan Galtung explained violence in terms of its three dimensions; direct violence, structural violence, and cultural violence.

He suggested that these dimensions of violence can be depicted as the three arms of a triangle.

Direct Violence

Direct violence is what we see and experience. So, it may be physical violence such as physical assault, killing, etc. Along with, it can also be psychological violence or behaviour that causes trauma, anxiety, or stress.

Structural Violence

Structural violence is built into the social structure. Societies are made up of systems. These systems include: laws and institutions established for enforcing them, economic systems such as the market, social inter-relationships, religious institutions and their workings, as well as in many cases, institutions of the army.

These systems interact with each other to create complex relationships of power. We can measure power in terms of access to resources, decision making, and opportunities. It is possible that the structures of a society are such that they result in the marginalisation of certain groups, or they discriminate against them. This results in the infringement of their rights.

Such violence is not always intended; it is a product of the existing structures of a society. Galtung also uses the term, ‘social injustice’ to explain structural violence.

Cultural Violence

Cultural violence refers to the prevailing attitudes or beliefs used to legitimise violence of direct or structural nature. These include the prejudices or stereotypes existing in society, which have been internalised by individuals. The stereotypes find expression in the interactions people have with each other.

Linking Violence Triangle to Iceberg Model

Galtung suggests that these three forms of violence feed and reinforce each other. While direct violence is visible, structural and cultural violence are not overtly visible in society.

Now, if we link to the iceberg model discussed in the previous post on the relationship between conflict and human rights, we could say that the tip of the iceberg represents direct violence. Structural and cultural violence is the part of the iceberg that remains below the waterline as they are not visible.

______________________________________________________________________________

Before you read this article further, do take out a moment to subscribe to our mailing list to receive the latest article in your inbox. Thank you.

______________________________________________________________________________

Example: Understanding Violence Triangle of Johan Galtung in Context of Conflict Theory

Let’s take the example of violence against women as I did in the post on the relationship between conflict and human rights, to explain these different dimensions of violence.

Domestic violence or other forms of violence that women and girls face in society is an example of direct violence. It is visible and we can easily identify the actors that cause such violence.

But, is domestic violence a personal problem between two individuals? In other words, would punishing husbands who beat their wives address the problem of domestic violence?

Yes and No.

Yes, punishing the husband may address the problem between that particular couple. However, such punishment is possible only if there is a law on domestic violence. Meaning, the legal structure of society recognises domestic violence as a wrong and imposes sanction against it.

Even if there is a law on domestic violence, yet, the culture in many societies may condone it. The culture may accept wife beating and not consider it as a wrong. In such a case, even if there is a law on domestic violence, the police may be reluctant to file a complaint and may ask the wife to sort it out herself.

In another example, some cultures explain cases of sexual assault against women by comments such as “boys will be boys”, or “the woman asked for it by dressing in that way”. Such attitudes are a form of cultural violence, which the patriarchal structure of society supports. Patriarchy, as you know, is a social system that results in discrimination against women.

Coming back to the question, would punishing husbands who beat their wives address the problem of domestic violence?

No, not unless the structure and the culture of the society also undergoes a change.

Summary

To sum it up, we can use the conflict triangle by Johan Galtung in the context of conflict theory to trace the roots of direct violence visible in society.

We can also use the triangle to examine whether the violence is a manifestation of conflict at the individual level (a crime that is of personal nature or is confined to two or more individuals), or whether it is related to the structures existing in the society and its culture.

If violence is related to structural causes, then it is possible that such violence is in the nature of human rights violations.