The concept of violence exists on a large spectrum. While it is commonly understood as being solely detrimental, violence is a specific type of interaction that can sometimes be used for the benefit of society. This discussion will focus on the different types of violence, as well as their effects on society. Typically, violence is a tool, used to reach a specific end goal.
For example, criminals can use violence to derive different types of gain, often putting both themselves and others in danger. Murder, assault, or rape can serve as common examples of violent crime in this case (“Violent crime,” n.d.). Domestic abuse is also considered a type of violence, and can often involve a wide range of psychological, physical, and economic acts. Violence at one’s place of work also occurs, often incurring a combination of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. It is important to note that violence does not “simply occur”, it is a mode of interaction utilized by people to reach certain ends, cultivated in different environments. Theories of cause propose that any act or influence has a particular effect on the world around it. Violence, then, can be perpetuated and normalized by one’s social circle, education, living conditions, and psychological state.
Despite violent acts being inherent to nature, what people conceptualize as violent depends on their perception and social norms. Oftentimes, the distinction between justified use of force and violence is arbitrary and only depends on the needs of the state. Therefore, some acts of violence can be a necessary tool of influence, a type of power wielded to either punish, subjugate, or protect (“Use of force,” 2017). This is most evident in police institutions and the army. The work of both a police officer and a soldier involves inflicting harm on others, making police work a state-approved type of violence. Despite their legal designation, these types of violence, too, can be used for either harm or good. Some policemen save lives, others commit acts of police brutality. Violence can be wielded by the people as well, to protect their rights or counter oppressive social systems. Violent protests are the prime example of that, using direct force to challenge perceived cases of injustice.
References
Use of force. (2017). Police Department.
Violent crime. (n.d.). National Institute of Justice.