Structual Violence

Most societies require a power structure to function. In animal groups it is usually an alpha male/female that exerts its power using violence. In modern democracies, however, violence is a crime. Instead of physical violence is replaced by structural violence.

Those in authority use their structural power to exert control. This can be explicit, such as “do this because I am your boss” or more subtle such as ignoring requests or simply saying no for no reason. It is not limited to those that have real authority such as police or employers. Anyone can use structural violence.

There are two downsides to structural violence. Because of its more subtle nature it can be misinterpreted. For example, a while ago a girl asked me for a cigarette, I said no. She got upset and called me a “rude bastard” thinking that I was denying her request unjustly, ie, structural violence. In reality, I don’t smoke and did not have any cigarettes to give.

The other downside is the inability to retaliate. If someone punches you, you can punch them back. But if a manager denies you a promotion you can’t sack them. Instead you are likely to undertake more subtle retaliations such as spread rumours about them, or put less effort into your work. This may give you satisfaction, but the manager may not link the two. Ignorant that you felt you should have got the promotion.

Avoiding violence altogether can only be achieved though mediation, both parties putting forth their side of the argument and seeking a mutual solution. Of course, science has nature as its arbitrator, so if you disagree with someone you create an experiment that disproves their theory. Even Enstien made theroetical errors about quantum physics, eg, “god does not play dice.”