Our civilization has non-physical violence. The subtle form is symbolic violence. Although it does not open sores or create bruises, it is as dangerous as direct.
It maintains power relations and group division through symbols, discourses, and representations. You'll learn more about surreptitious and system-related violence from this definition and examples.
What is symbolic violence and how does it occur?
Pierre Bourdieu coined “symbolic violence”. Vertical power is exercised through symbols, gestures, words, and cultural representations.
It does not seek to subjugate groups by force. The imposition of social power and submission.
This brutality takes many forms. Some famous ones are:
Social exclusion, discriminatory language, and stigmatising speeches.
Making negative assumptions,
Imposing norms and beliefs that perpetuate structural inequality.
Famously, media stereotypes of women stand out. They are often portrayed as sexual objects or submissive. Stereotypes exacerbate gender inequity.
Are symbolic violence and discrimination the same?
Symbolic violence and discrimination are similar yet distinct. Discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation is legitimised and perpetuated via symbolic violence.
Thus, symbolic violence fuels discrimination. In addition to combining more anti-social tactics.
The study in Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales highlights discriminatory practices against women seeking political entry.
While prejudice means believing only men can be political, symbolic violence is unfairly accusing women, excluding them from meetings and plenary sessions, or encouraging violence.
What role does violence play in minority discrimination?
As expected, this violence perpetuates and worsens minority discrimination. Negative portrayals, prejudices, and dehumanising discourses perpetuate systemic inequities and marginalise these populations.
In 2018, the International Journal of Developmental Science evaluated the literature and found that radical violence affects decision-making and political violence.
Thus, persistent exposure of negative symbols, discourses, and representations can harm the communities targeted by symbolic violence.
This violence affects more than only prejudiced groups. But also impacts society. This violence affects social cohesion and hampers the creation of a just and inclusive environment by propagating stereotypes and inequities.
Bar-Tal et al.'s Journal of Social Issues study explores symbolic violence's effects in divided societies. This mechanism causes social polarisation, conflict, and fragmentation, according to the findings.
It may also hinder peacebuilding and reconciliation. Because it fosters collective mistrust and hatred.
Psychological Therapy found that violent speech causes tension, anxiety, melancholy, and low self-esteem.
To end symbolic violence, we must examine its roots.
Symbol-based violence studies must continue and expand. Develop tactics to question and change this discrimination's narratives and practices.
To end this violence and build a more just and respectful society, awareness, education, and diversity and equality are vital.
Finally, critical thinking will make us question violence. Overcoming its physicality. Machismo, homophobia, racism, ableism, speciesism, and other segregations are fueled by it. Remove the issue at its source.