Introduction
Johan Galtung, a well-known Norwegian peace theorist, introduced the concept of violence in a broader and deeper sense. He explained that violence is not just about physical harm or war but includes many hidden and indirect forms. His theory divides violence into three main types: direct violence, structural violence, and cultural violence. This model helps us understand the roots of conflict and how to build lasting peace.
1. Direct Violence
Direct violence is the most visible form of violence. It includes physical harm, such as killing, beating, war, rape, and torture. It is done by one person or group to another and can be easily seen and reported.
Examples:
- War between two countries
- Domestic violence in a household
- Police brutality
- Terrorist attacks
Galtung says that while direct violence is harmful, it is often the result of deeper and hidden forms of violence.
2. Structural Violence
Structural violence is hidden and built into the system or structure of society. It happens when people do not have equal access to resources, opportunities, or rights. It causes slow and silent harm, like poverty, hunger, lack of healthcare, or poor education.
Examples:
- Poor people not getting good healthcare
- Children from lower castes being denied quality education
- Unfair laws that keep certain groups weak or excluded
- Unequal pay for women compared to men for the same work
Structural violence is harder to see than direct violence, but it affects a large number of people and creates long-term suffering.
3. Cultural Violence
Cultural violence is when beliefs, traditions, religion, or education systems are used to justify or accept violence. It makes people believe that some forms of violence are normal or even good.
Examples:
- Religious beliefs that support war or hatred
- Caste system that justifies inequality
- Media that shows violence as heroism
- Sayings like “boys don’t cry” that support toxic masculinity
Cultural violence supports and hides both direct and structural violence. It makes people accept things that are actually harmful and unjust.
Galtung’s Triangle of Violence
Johan Galtung’s model is often shown as a triangle, where:
- The top part is Direct Violence (visible)
- The bottom two corners are Structural and Cultural Violence (invisible)
Like an iceberg, the visible part (direct violence) is small, but the invisible parts (structural and cultural violence) are much larger and support the visible violence.
Importance of the Concept
- Helps in understanding the deeper causes of conflict
- Promotes peace by addressing not just war, but inequality and injustice
- Encourages social change, not just peace talks
Conclusion
Johan Galtung’s theory of direct, structural, and cultural violence helps us see violence in all its forms. To build true peace, we must stop not just physical fighting but also remove inequality, injustice, and harmful beliefs. Peace is not only the absence of war but also the presence of justice, fairness, and respect for all.