Module 10: Geweld en Verzet

Module 10: Geweld en Verzet

• Geweld: Forcing or using power on others, making them lose their ability to act autonomously. Closely linked to power, as power is always built on some form of coercion, or threat of violence.

Johan Galtung and the 3 Types of Violence

• Direct Violence: Visible violence between individuals or groups, often physical. Examples include war, street fights, abuse, vandalism, theft, or insults.

• Structural Violence: Hidden, daily violence/coercion built into systems (society, economy). Often invisible, or normalized as the status quo. Examples include exclusion, discrimination, poverty, and injustice.

• Cultural Violence: Cultural aspects that justify direct and structural violence. Examples include religion, ideology, language, and norms, that can be used to support these other forms of violence. Stereotypes, racism, sexism, and harmful beliefs are a part of this.

Direct Violence

• Characterized by visible physical or verbal conflict between individuals or groups.

Structural Violence

• Daily violence embedded in societal systems.
• Often hidden or normalized.
• Becomes clear when one pushes against the structures (similar to Newton's third law).
• Examples include societal exclusions, discrimination, poverty, lack of opportunities, and exploitation through legal justice systems.

Cultural Violence

• Underlying norms and beliefs that support the other two types of violence.
• These things can be used to justify direct and structural acts of violence.
• Includes concepts like prejudice, stereotypes, ideologies, and harmful power structures or ideologies.

Critical Perspective on Violence

• Zizek highlights that visible physical violence (subject violence) often overshadows hidden systemic violence (objective violence.
• Systems and norms influencing societies require attention and a deeper analysis of societal dynamics and power structures.

Legitimacy of Violence (Zizek)

• Victims of violence may see violence as legitimate given their situation.
• However, violence is never necessarily the only or best solution/approach.
• Strategy in using violence is crucial when facing injustices or oppression.

Violence in Society

• Pro-Palestinian protest against companies with ties to the Israel military.
• The demonstration/protest is presented as a form of violence or non-violence. Is it right/wrong to use violence in response to injustice?
• Discussion or example using Guernica and the concept of violence (historical example).