Structural violence facts for kids

Structural violence is a way that people can be hurt, but it's not like hitting someone or fighting. Instead, it happens when the way a society is set up, or its main rules and systems, makes it hard for certain groups of people to get what they need to live well.

Think of it like this: if a rule or a system in society stops people from getting things like good food, clean water, healthcare, or a safe place to live, that's structural violence. It's not always obvious, and there's no bloodshed, but it can still cause a lot of suffering and even lead to physical harm in other ways.

What is Structural Violence?

Structural violence happens when the rules, laws, and ways a society works create unfair situations. These unfair situations can prevent people from meeting their basic needs. It's like an invisible force that pushes some people down.

For example, if a neighborhood doesn't have good schools because of how money is shared in the city, children there might not get a good education. This can limit their chances later in life. That's a form of structural violence.

How is it Different from Other Violence?

When we usually think about violence, we imagine someone hurting another person directly. This is called direct violence. Structural violence is different because it's not one person hurting another. Instead, it's the system or the structure of society that causes the harm.

It's often harder to see because it's built into how things work. There isn't a clear attacker or victim in the same way. But the results can be just as bad, leading to poverty, illness, and even shorter lives for some groups of people.

Causes of Structural Violence

Structural violence often comes from deep-rooted problems in society. These problems can include how power is shared, how resources are divided, and how different groups are treated.

Unequal Power and Resources

Many social systems are created and run by people who already have a lot of power or money. These are often called advantaged groups. Sometimes, without even meaning to, they create rules or systems that work best for people like them. This can make it harder for disadvantaged groups to succeed or even survive.

For example, if decisions about where to build hospitals are made by people who live in wealthy areas, they might build hospitals closer to their homes. This could leave people in poorer areas without easy access to medical care. This unequal access is a form of structural violence.

Discrimination and Bias

Sometimes, structural violence comes from old ideas or biases against certain groups of people. These biases can be about someone's race, gender, religion, or where they come from. When these biases become part of laws or policies, they can create unfair systems.

For instance, if a system makes it harder for people from a certain background to get jobs, even if they are qualified, that's a form of structural violence. It limits their ability to earn money and support themselves.

Effects of Structural Violence

The effects of structural violence can be very serious and long-lasting. They can impact people's health, education, safety, and overall well-being.

Health Problems

When people can't get enough healthy food, clean water, or good medical care because of how society is set up, they are more likely to get sick. They might also live shorter lives. This is a direct effect of structural violence on health.

Lack of Education

If schools in some areas don't have enough money, good teachers, or up-to-date books, students there might not get the education they need. This can make it harder for them to go to college or get good jobs. This lack of opportunity is a harmful effect of structural violence.

Poverty and Inequality

Structural violence often leads to more poverty and a bigger gap between the rich and the poor. When systems prevent certain groups from getting jobs, owning property, or building wealth, it traps them in a cycle of poverty. This makes society less fair for everyone.

How Can We Address Structural Violence?

Addressing structural violence means looking at the big picture and trying to change the unfair systems themselves.

• Fairer Laws: We can work to change laws and policies so they are fair for everyone, not just a few.
• Equal Opportunities: We can try to make sure everyone has an equal chance to get a good education, healthcare, and jobs.
• Raising Awareness: Learning about structural violence and talking about it helps more people understand the problem. When more people know, they can work together to make changes.

By understanding structural violence, we can work towards building a more just and fair world for all.