NU Business Defining Characteristics of Structural Violence Discussion

In the US and in other locations across the globe, conversations, discussions and headlines around social justice/injustice and structural violence have become part of our everyday experience, raising awareness of inequities across a myriad of groups.  How we critically understand and apply these terms in addition to the construct of positive peace are important parts of engaging with systems of injustice.  In this discussion, you will explore the definition of structural violence and positive peace and the implications for social justice. 

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

Apply Galtung’s (1969) construct of structural violence and positive peace

Evaluate intervention points to interrupt structural violence and perpetuate and strengthen positive peace

Step 1.1 Explore the constructs. 

• Using your reading Gultung ATTACHED Links to an external site. and the video below, explore the constructs of structural violence and positive peace.

https://youtu.be/RYFn_hSF3wQ

•  Step 1.2 Choose one of the two constructs.

Choose either the construct of structural violence or positive peace.  Identify and analyze one example of your chosen construct.  This example can be from the news, or personal life or another context.

Step 1.3 Prepare and submit your post 

Prepare a written post (max 350 words) or a video post (max 4 minutes) and share the following:

What is the definition of your chosen construct?  Please use your own words. 

What is an example of your chosen construct?

In what ways does your example reflect your chosen construct?  What assumptions might you be making as you analyze this example?