How might structural violence be invisible in a seemingly peaceful society?

Structural violence can be invisible in a seemingly peaceful society through systemic inequalities and discrimination.

Structural violence refers to a form of violence where social structures or social institutions harm people by preventing them from meeting their basic needs. It is often invisible in a seemingly peaceful society because it is embedded in ubiquitous social structures, normalised by stable institutions and regular experience. Structural violence is often not recognised as violence at all, as it may not result in direct, physical harm. Instead, it manifests in more insidious ways, such as social and economic inequality, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.

For instance, a society might appear peaceful with no overt conflict or warfare, but upon closer inspection, one might find systemic inequalities that disadvantage certain groups. This could be in the form of unequal access to resources, such as education, healthcare, and job opportunities. These inequalities are often deeply ingrained in the society's structures, making them difficult to see and even harder to address.

Moreover, structural violence can also be invisible through the normalisation of discrimination. For example, sexism and racism can be so deeply embedded in a society's culture and institutions that they are not recognised as forms of violence. Instead, they are seen as 'the way things are', making it difficult for those not affected to recognise the harm they cause.

Furthermore, structural violence can be perpetuated through laws and policies that disadvantage certain groups. For example, laws that criminalise homelessness can be seen as a form of structural violence, as they punish individuals for their socio-economic status rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness. These laws and policies are often accepted as necessary or inevitable, further contributing to the invisibility of structural violence.

In conclusion, structural violence can be invisible in a seemingly peaceful society through systemic inequalities, normalisation of discrimination, and harmful laws and policies. It is a subtle form of violence that is often overlooked, but its effects can be just as damaging as more overt forms of violence.