Symbolic Violence: what it is, characteristics and examples

Violence is a phenomenon unfortunately present throughout the history of humanity, making some thinkers wonder if human beings are violent and aggressive for nature. There are many representations and manifestations of violence; the most widespread being physical, verbal and psychological violence.

However, there is a more subtle but equally dangerous and hurtful form of violent behavior: symbolic violence.

Usually, symbolic violence is hidden beneath the surface of many of our social and cultural interactions, going unnoticed by most people. Unlike physical violence, symbolic violence leaves no visible scars, although its impact can be just as devastating. It refers to the mechanisms through which power and domination are exercised through symbols, meanings, and cultural representations.

The aim of this article is to shed light and raise awareness about symbolic violence, highlighting its relevance in the daily life of people and its influence in the construction of individual identities and collective. Through five examples of symbolic violence, we will be able to appreciate the subtlety and power of violence. symbolic violence to influence our perceptions and behaviors, often without realizing it of it.

What is symbolic violence?

symbolic violence is a theoretical notion developed by the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu in the 1970s. According to Bourdieu, symbolic violence is a more subtle form of domination than physical or direct violence, but equally powerful in the reproduction and perpetuation of social inequalities. It is based on the ability to impose meanings, values ​​and cultural representations that end up being accepted as natural and legitimate by those who suffer from them.

Symbolic violence operates in the construction of social reality by influencing the perception that people have of themselves and of others, as well as of the power structures that govern society. Through institutions such as the family, education, the media and cultural practices, values, norms and beliefs that sustain social hierarchies are transmitted and reinforced.

A fundamental characteristic of symbolic violence is the internalization of oppression by subordinate groups or individuals. Those who belong to socially disadvantaged segments tend to adopt and legitimize the dominant values ​​and power structures, despite the fact that these perpetuate their own oppression.

Symbolic violence is thus reproduced through the unconscious complicity of the oppressed. Through the construction of stereotypes and biased representations of gender, race, class and other social categories, the media contribute to the formation of a dominant culture that marginalizes certain groups and perpetuates prejudices.

Gender is one of the areas most affected by symbolic violence. The imposition of traditional gender roles, the objectification of women in the media and the invisibility of non-binary identities are just a few examples of how gender inequality is perpetuated through symbolization.

• Related article: "What is Cultural Psychology?"

Examples of symbolic violence

Next, we are going to present five examples of symbolic violence that illustrate how this form of subtle aggression It can manifest itself in different contexts of daily life, having a significant impact on the daily life of people. people. These examples will help us understand how symbolic violence affects different groups and perpetuates inequalities and stereotypes in society.

1. Mental health stigma

The stigmatization of mental health it is a process of symbolic violence that affects millions of people around the world. Despite advances in the understanding of mental health and its components, prejudices and stereotypes that generate hostile environments for people with mental disorders persist. The media have a crucial role in shaping opinions and attitudes towards mental health.

Stories and characters are often presented that reinforce damaging stereotypes, such as the bond between mental illness and violence or the inability to lead a productive life while having a disorder mental. These representations perpetuate the exclusion of these people and the mistrust of the general population towards them.

This stigma leads to affect access to mental health services. Due to discrimination and fear of rejection, many people who need psychological support avoid seeking professional help. Stigma can create significant barriers to accessing care, contributing to the lack of timely and appropriate treatment.

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2. institutional racism

Institutional racism is an insidious form of symbolic violence manifested in social, administrative, and legal practices and structures that perpetuate racial discrimination. Unlike individual discrimination, institutional racism operates on a systematic level and affects multiple aspects of the lives of people belonging to minority racial groups.

Government, educational and social institutions play a crucial role in the perpetuation of institutional racism. Through discriminatory policies and practices, an environment is created in which people of racial groups minority groups face inequalities and structural barriers that hinder their access to opportunities and resources.

One of the most obvious examples of institutional racism is found in the educational system. Schools in disadvantaged areas, which often house a majority of students belonging to disadvantaged minority schools, they may receive fewer resources and have less-trained teachers compared to schools in poorer areas. privileged. This educational gap perpetuates inequality from an early age, affecting students' future opportunities and contributing to the reproduction of marginalization.

The judicial system can also be plagued by institutional racism.. Studies have shown that people from racial minority groups often face unequal treatment in the criminal justice system, from arrest to sentencing. Racial discrimination can influence judicial decision-making, leading to greater probability that people from minority groups will be convicted or receive higher sentences severe.

• Related article: "The 8 most common types of racism"

3. objectification of women

This reductionist practice and symbolic violence is based on representing women mainly as objects sex for the enjoyment and satisfaction of the male gaze, regardless of their individuality, intelligence, or capabilities. In advertising, movies, television shows, and music, it is common to find images that perpetuate the objectification of women. They are shown in suggestive poses, with idealized bodies and in submissive or passive roles., which reinforces the idea that women are objects of desire and not agents with autonomy.

The objectification of women contributes to the objectification and sexualization of women in society. This can lead to discrimination in the workplace, in personal relationships, and gender-based violence. When women are reduced to mere objects of desire, their humanity is denied and they are treated as inferior or subservient.

4. sexist language

Words have power and give meaning to our experiences and how we represent them in language. From early ages, we absorb linguistic patterns that perpetuate gender roles and expectations. This construction of gender through language implies establishing “appropriate” categories or components for each gender, which restricts individual freedom and promotes discrimination.

Sexist language can be exclusionary and marginalize non-binary people or people who do not identify with binary and traditional gender categories. Using pronouns and terms that automatically and exclusively assume the existence of two genders, promotes the invisibility and denial of the existence of other gender identities, contributing to discrimination and alienation of this people.

5. cultural stereotypes

Cultural stereotypes are classic examples of symbolic violence that involve the simplification and generalization of certain cultural or ethnic groups. These stereotypes may be based on historical prejudices, false beliefs or misunderstandings, and are often transmitted through popular culture, the media, and interactions social.

Cultural stereotypes can have a profound impact on self-image and cultural identity of people belonging to an ethnic or cultural group. By being reduced to a limited set of characteristics or behaviors, people can feel stigmatized or invisible. This can lead to self-stigmatization and a struggle to fit into the mold imposed by stereotypes.

In addition, these stereotypes can foster discrimination and the exclusion of certain ethnic or cultural groups in society. When negative stereotypes are widely accepted, they can lead to marginalization and prejudice against people who belong to those groups. This can manifest itself in the workplace, education and in daily interactions.

Conclusion

The examples presented reveal how symbolic violence permeates various spheres of society, exerting a profound impact on the perceptions, relationships and opportunities of different groups. Understanding these manifestations is the first step to combat symbolic violence and create a more just and inclusive society. The fight against symbolic violence requires the collective effort to challenge and transform harmful stereotypes, prejudices and cultural representations. Only through awareness and committed action can we build a world where respect, equality and dignity for all prevail.