Structural Violence
"Not only are the poor more likely to suffer, but they are more likely to have their suffering silenced."
-Dr. Paul Farmer, Pathologies of Power
-Dr. Paul Farmer, Pathologies of Power
Structural violence is often defined in light of direct violence. Direct violence is an action or behavior such as fighting, killing, or physical or emotional abuse that insults the basic needs of others; structural violence indirectly deprives basic human needs through exploitation and abuse built into political, economic, and social structures and institutions.
The inherent nature of and problem with structural violence is that it is so difficult to define and to grasp. Certain forms of suffering are easy to observe, but the suffering of those oppressed by structural violence is so complex and so deeply ingrained in our world's structures. Structural violence easily becomes "the way the world works" or "an unfortunate reality;" then, structures of violence are dismissed by many (knowingly or unknowingly) as too difficult to discuss, confront, or change. Paul Farmer writes: "Structural violence all too often defeats those who would describe it." Furthermore, even the victims of structural violence (and it could be argued that all are victims in one way or another) cannot entirely see how their plight is choreographed by these complex structures of inequality.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to look at these structures and to break them down.
The inherent nature of and problem with structural violence is that it is so difficult to define and to grasp. Certain forms of suffering are easy to observe, but the suffering of those oppressed by structural violence is so complex and so deeply ingrained in our world's structures. Structural violence easily becomes "the way the world works" or "an unfortunate reality;" then, structures of violence are dismissed by many (knowingly or unknowingly) as too difficult to discuss, confront, or change. Paul Farmer writes: "Structural violence all too often defeats those who would describe it." Furthermore, even the victims of structural violence (and it could be argued that all are victims in one way or another) cannot entirely see how their plight is choreographed by these complex structures of inequality.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to look at these structures and to break them down.
Examples of Structural Violence in Uganda:
Deprevation of social services and resources to people in Northern and Northeastern regions of the country; also, discrimination amongst tribes in Uganda that manifests when members of one tribe gain some form of political or economic power. Tribalism has been a contentious part of Uganda's history, during British colonial rule, during the different dictatorships after independence in 1962, and during the presidency of Yoweri Museveni since 1986. President Yoweri Museveni, born in Western Uganda and whose father comes from the Banyankole tribe frequently clashes with the King of the Buganda Kingdom over power and influence in the central region of Uganda. One can also witness tribalism in the universities and in Parliament.
Slums in Kampala that are home to blatant abuses of human needs; structurally, it is very difficult for people and families living in the slums to access education, healthcare, employment, enough food or shelter, the opportunity to leave, and a safe and healthy environment. Foreign aid absorbed by corruption denies the basic needs of many Ugandans. Also, an overall lack of infrustructure excludes Ugandans from numerous services, financial markets, educational and employment opportunities, and information otherwise enjoyed by neighboring countries. Uganda and other nations in the Global South are ignored by the majority of multinational corporations and many of the goods available in the US and Europe are simply not marketed in Uganda. Also, the lower a country's GDP, the lower the quality of goods they receive as consumers, unfotunately including pharmaceutical drugs. |
Employment discrimination against Ugandans from different tribes around the country, Ugandans of Indian background or Indian immigrants, and refugees from DRC, Somalia, or Rwanda. Also, discrimination based on background plays into daily commerce. For example, a Ugandan of African background may not frequent an establishment owned or staffed by Ugandans of Indian background and vice versa. Another example, a Congolese refugee may be informally charged more in a market or by a taxi because of their background. Uganda has an education curriculum that focuses on lectures and exams and rarely requires critical thinking in order for a student to graduate primary or secondary school. Also, education is not available to all, and just like almost every country around the world, wealth is directly tied to educational opportunites. Legacies of colonial rule by England seen in the political, economic, social, and educational structures in Uganda. Structures of privilege around the world impact Ugandans. Stereotypes and low expectations are built into international interactions with Uganda and other African nations. |