On Violence: An essay on the enduring challenge

Photo by Unsplash

Violence continues to permeate societies worldwide, leaving indelible marks on all of us.  Its persistence has made it a central focus for scholars across various disciplines, particularly psychology and sociology, alongside news outlets and social media.

Violence is inherently complex, manifesting in numerous forms, from interpersonal altercations to large-scale conflicts.  Police brutality and unchecked power, gun violence; social violence including low wages, lack of affordable health care, housing; food deserts, never-ending wars globally that are affecting our environment, and genocide. To stave off nihilism, at best we can remain in a perspective of pragmatic hope rooted in social justice.

So what is violence? Psychologically, it can be understood as both a learned behavior and a response to various stimuli. Albert Bandura's social learning theory posits that people learn aggressive behaviors through observation and imitation, particularly when such behaviors appear to be rewarded (Bandura, 1977). This perspective highlights the role of environment and social context in the perpetuation of violence. Sociologically, violence is a structural and systemic issue, deeply embedded within our laws. Johan Galtung's theory of structural violence talks about how social structures and institutions harm many of us by preventing our basic needs from being met (Galtung, 1969). It might be easy to disregard this form of violence - as it’s not ‘visible’ but we feel and see the effects daily.

Photo by Markus Spiske

At its core, capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production, market competition, and the pursuit of profit. Historically, the establishment and expansion of capitalist economies have often been accompanied by physical violence (e.g. slavery, indentured servitude, etc.) Colonialism, which played a crucial role in the development of global capitalism, involved the subjugation and exploitation of indigenous populations through military conquest and forced labor (Loomba, 2005). Now, the competition inherent in capitalist markets can also lead to physical violence - long work hours, poor conditions, and child labor. Labor disputes that escalate into violent confrontations between workers and authorities. The push for resource extraction in developing countries has led to conflicts with local communities, often resulting in human rights abuses and environmental destruction (Bebbington et al., 2008). Thomas Piketty's seminal work, "Capital in the Twenty-First Century," highlights how wealth concentration in capitalist economies leads to growing economic disparities. Piketty argues that the rate of return on capital exceeds the rate of economic growth, resulting in increasing inequality over time (Piketty, 2014). This economic inequality translates into continued structural violence, as those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder struggle to access basic necessities. 

One way to create additional stratification for those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder is state-sanctioned violence, which underscores the problematic nature of unchecked power within law enforcement agencies. We cannot overlook the systemic nature of police violence. Massey argues that police brutality is not merely the result of individual malfeasance but is rooted in institutional practices and cultural norms that prioritize control and punishment over community engagement and support (Massey, 2017). This perspective aligns with broader sociological critiques that emphasize the role of power dynamics and systemic inequalities in perpetuating violence.

Unchecked power within law enforcement is devastating. When police officers operate without sufficient oversight or accountability, the potential for abuse increases dramatically. We are on the brink of a full-blown culture of impunity, where officers feel free to act without fear of repercussions. This culture undermines public trust and perpetuates cycles of violence and resentment. There is little place to go from here. 

The psychological impact of violence is profound. Victims of violence experience a range of emotional and psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of safety. Children exposed to violence, whether directly or indirectly, are vulnerable. Studies have shown that exposure to violence can lead to developmental delays, behavioral problems, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships (Masten, 2001). We know this. We see this. Many agendas say they support the wellbeing of children and youth but how violence permeates, it is clear that these gestures are empty. 

So what do we do?

Martin Luther King Jr. often said  "Thethe arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." (I think for many we are like, “Phewphew, how long?”). Change is never as organized as we’d like it to be. Activism in any and all forms in the pursuit of social justice, that addresses the root causes of violence and promotes equality and fairness are worthy causes for us to partake in. Any attention you might engage in locally or globally creates an impact. Any movement to reform institutional practice, community refrigerators in your neighborhood, restorative justice models, the right to civil protest (this is a foundation of democracy. Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise), affordable housing movements, arts engagement, individual therapy, youth educational community-based programs, planting trees, and more. Whether by small acts and/or large acts, combating all forms of violence requires a comprehensive and multifaceted response. As we move forward, it is essential to maintain a sense of pragmatic hope, but we must move. 

References:

• Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice-Hall.

• Galtung, J. (1969). Violence, Peace, and Peace Research. Journal of Peace Research, 6(3), 167-191.

• Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery. Basic Books.

• Loomba, A. (2005). Colonialism/Postcolonialism. Routledge.

• Massey, S. (2017). The Systemic Nature of Police Brutality. Journal of Social Justice, 12(4), 45-67.

• Masten, A. S. (2001). Ordinary Magic: Resilience Processes in Development. American Psychologist, 56(3), 227-238.

• Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Harvard University Press.

• Skogan, W. G. (2006). Police and Community in Chicago: A Tale of Three Cities. Oxford University Press.

Written by Tanisha Christie, LCSW (she/her)

Tanisha Christie, LCSW (she/her) is the Founder and Practice Director who champions the liberation of individuals through the acknowledgement and affirmation of their stories. With a collaborative, holistic, and directive approach, Tanisha guides clients toward healing. Her extensive experience includes roles at Mount Sinai Hospital, the Ackerman Institute for the family and private practices, offering specialized expertise in polyamorous and couple relationships, executive coaching, and clinical supervision.