Imagine you're a negotiator for a non-governmental organization, tasked with mitigating community conflicts in a conflict-ridden region. Conflict is complex and multi-dimensional, from evident physical violence to the hidden structural and cultural violence pervasive in society. To deconstruct these layers of conflict, you turn to Johan Galtung's Triangle of Violence model, which provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the various forms of violence.
Developed by Johan Galtung, a pioneer in the field of peace studies, the Triangle of Violence is a theoretical model that indicates three types of violence: direct, structural and cultural violence. This model helps to identify and understand the complex and interconnected forms of violence that can foster conflict and hinder peace within societies.
Direct Violence: This is the form of violence most people recognize – physical harm or threat, including war, murder, assault, and verbal abuse.
Structural Violence: This form of violence is embedded in social structures and systems that disadvantage certain groups, leading to inequities in resources, political power, education, health, and more. Poverty, racism, and discrimination are examples of structural violence.
Cultural Violence: This is the ‘invisible' form of violence, which permeates societal beliefs, norms and values, justifying and legitimizing both direct and structural violence. This could include gender, racial or ethnic biases, and discriminatory ideologies.
Galtung’s model highlights how these types of violence are interconnected. Direct violence often stems from structural and cultural violence, while cultural violence can reinforce harmful structural norms. It's important to tackle all sides of the triangle to meaningfully resolve conflicts.
Identify the Forms of Violence: Begin by identifying the forms of direct, structural, and cultural violence present in your context.
Analyze the Connections: Understand how these forms of violence interplay and reinforce each other.
Develop Comprehensive Interventions: Design interventions that target all forms of violence.
Direct Violence: Implement measures to stop immediate harm and prevent its recurrence, like peace treaties, ceasefires or legal processes.
Structural Violence: Advocate for reforms and policies that address inequalities and enhance access to resources and rights.
Cultural Violence: Launch education or awareness campaigns to challenge harmful norms and values, promoting tolerance, empathy, and respect.
Applying Galtung's Triangle of Violence to your conflict negotiation context, you can grasp the full scope of violence from visible acts to hidden structures and cultural norms. By addressing these interconnected forms of violence, you can design a comprehensive conflict resolution strategy, leading to more sustainable peace in the communities you serve. Understanding this triangle does not merely mean identifying and resolving violence; it means paving the way for a society free from all forms of violence.
In a town, racial tensions have been building. Although no physical violence has occurred, discriminatory housing policies and social intolerance are prevalent. This situation best illustrates:
The early stages of a potentially peaceful coexistence.
The presence of systemic and cultural forms of non-physical violence.