Can structural violence be resolved through legal means?

Yes, structural violence can be addressed and potentially resolved through legal means, but it's not a standalone solution.

Structural violence, a term coined by Johan Galtung, refers to systematic ways in which social structures harm or otherwise disadvantage individuals. It's deeply embedded in societal norms, and manifests in unequal access to resources, political power, education, health care, and legal standing. Legal means can be employed to address these issues, but they are not a panacea.

Legal reforms can play a significant role in addressing structural violence. Laws can be enacted to ensure equal access to resources, protect against discrimination, and promote social justice. For instance, the Civil Rights Act in the United States was a legal measure that aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination. Similarly, the Equality Act in the UK is a legal framework designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment and promote a fair and more equal society.

However, while legal means are crucial, they are not sufficient on their own. This is because structural violence is deeply ingrained in societal norms and institutions, and legal reforms alone cannot change these. For example, despite the existence of anti-discrimination laws, racial and gender discrimination persist in many societies. This is because such laws can only punish overt acts of discrimination, but cannot address the underlying biases and prejudices that drive such behaviour.

Moreover, the effectiveness of legal means in addressing structural violence is also dependent on the willingness and ability of the state to enforce these laws. In many cases, states may lack the political will or the resources to effectively enforce anti-discrimination laws. In other cases, the state itself may be a perpetrator of structural violence, making legal means ineffective.

In conclusion, while legal means can play a significant role in addressing structural violence, they are not a standalone solution. Addressing structural violence requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only legal reforms, but also social, economic, and political changes.