What is the Gandhian view on structural violence? What is the impact of structural violence in society?

Mahatma Gandhi's view on structural violence was deeply rooted in his philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) and his understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and political systems. Gandhi defined violence not only as physical harm but also as any form of injustice, exploitation, or oppression that perpetuates inequalities and denies human dignity. Structural violence, in Gandhi's view, refers to the systemic and institutionalized forms of violence embedded within social structures, policies, and power dynamics.

Gandhi recognized that structural violence manifests through various forms of discrimination, exploitation, and deprivation, perpetuated by unequal distribution of resources, unequal access to opportunities, and unequal exercise of power. He believed that oppressive social structures, such as caste system, economic inequality, colonialism, and patriarchy, create conditions of structural violence that marginalize and disenfranchise certain groups of people, denying them their basic rights, freedoms, and dignity.

Gandhi emphasized the importance of addressing structural violence through non-violent means, including civil disobedience, constructive program, and transformative social change. He advocated for a holistic approach to social reform that addresses the root causes of structural violence and promotes equality, justice, and human dignity for all.

The impact of structural violence in society is profound and far-reaching, affecting individuals, communities, and entire societies in multiple ways:

1. Inequality and Injustice: Structural violence perpetuates inequalities and injustices, creating disparities in wealth, income, education, healthcare, and opportunities. Marginalized groups, such as lower castes, indigenous peoples, minorities, and women, bear the brunt of structural violence, facing discrimination, exclusion, and exploitation in various aspects of life.

2. Poverty and Deprivation: Structural violence traps individuals and communities in cycles of poverty, deprivation, and vulnerability. Economic systems that prioritize profit over people perpetuate exploitation, wage exploitation, and economic marginalization, leading to persistent poverty, hunger, and lack of basic necessities.

3. Social Exclusion and Marginalization: Structural violence marginalizes certain groups of people based on their race, ethnicity, caste, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status, denying them equal rights, opportunities, and representation in society. Social exclusion leads to social fragmentation, alienation, and disempowerment, eroding social cohesion and collective solidarity.

4. Violence and Conflict: Structural violence breeds resentment, anger, and frustration among marginalized communities, fueling social unrest, protest movements, and conflicts. Injustice, inequality, and oppression can escalate into violence, protests, and social movements seeking redress, justice, and change.

5. Health Disparities and Vulnerabilities: Structural violence exacerbates health disparities and vulnerabilities, leading to unequal access to healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and safe living conditions. Marginalized communities face higher rates of disease, malnutrition, infant mortality, and preventable deaths due to inadequate healthcare services and social determinants of health.

6. Environmental Degradation: Structural violence contributes to environmental degradation and ecological injustices, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and indigenous peoples. Environmental policies and practices that prioritize profit over environmental sustainability perpetuate exploitation of natural resources, land grabs, and pollution, leading to environmental degradation, displacement, and loss of livelihoods for vulnerable communities.

Overall, the impact of structural violence is pervasive and systemic, perpetuating inequalities, injustices, and human suffering across societies. Addressing structural violence requires transformative social change, policy reforms, and collective action to dismantle oppressive structures, promote equality, and uphold human rights and dignity for all. Gandhian principles of non-violence, social justice, and solidarity offer valuable insights and guidance for challenging structural violence and building a more just, equitable, and compassionate society.