What is violence and how does gender affect it?

What is violence and how does gender affect it?

Violence is not just physical action. It is a complex phenomenon that manifests itself through various forms of power and control in society. And while violence may seem like something that is easily recognized, the reality is far more complex. Violence is often invisible, imprinted in our institutions, laws, norms, and even in the expectations we have of each other. How do gender structures shape these different forms of violence? In this text, we will explore the types of violence and the role of gender in shaping them.

Structural violence

Structural violence refers to inequalities that are embedded in social systems. Poverty, unequal access to education, health, justice, or employment, are all examples of violence that many do not recognize, but suffer daily.

The gender role in this violence is undeniable. Women, LGBTQI+ people and other marginalized groups are often disproportionately affected by these forms of inequality. For example, gender norms may limit women's opportunities to obtain an education or be economically independent, further perpetuating the cycle of poverty. LGBTQI+ people often face barriers to their enjoyment of basic rights, further empowering injustice.

Repressive violence

Repressive violence comes from the hands of the state: through the police, laws, the army or other institutions that use force to preserve order and order. However, not every row is fair. State structures can use their power to impose norms and rules that directly threaten certain groups of people.

Gender plays a key role here. Laws banning abortion, inadequate protection of women from domestic violence, or legal barriers for trans people to change their documents are just a few examples of how the state uses repression to control the bodies and lives of women and gender-diverse people. Such policies and laws often reflect patriarchal values that reinforce oppression.

Symbolic violence

Symbolic violence refers to invisible norms and expectations that society imposes without the need to express them explicitly. This violence is often portrayed as “normal” behavior, which is rarely questioned.

For example, women often face pressure to be “feminine” and adhere to stereotypes about beauty, while men are expected to be “strong” and emotionally reserved. LGBTQI+ people are often forced to hide their identity, in order to fit into socially accepted norms. This invisible force shapes our lives and interpersonal relationships at every turn.

Legitimate violence

Legitimate violence refers to violence that the state recognizes as justified. Police force, war and even individual laws can be considered justified when they come from the state, but the question we ask is: against whom is this violence applied?

When laws support discrimination or inequality, such as low protection of women and LGBTQI+ people from violence or legal inequality, the state actively supports gender injustice. State institutions in this way not only maintain existing gender hierarchies, but also strengthen them.

Revolutionary violence

Revolutionary violence occurs in response to oppression. When the system abuses, people fight. Feminist movements, as well as the struggles of LGBTQI+ communities, are examples of revolutionary resistance striving for change.

In these struggles, people not only challenge political systems, but also the patriarchal norms that sustain those systems. Feminist protests, the struggle for reproductive rights or demands for gender equality, are all examples of resistance against gender injustices that are deeply rooted in society.

Violence in society is never neutral — it is often shaped by gender. Understanding how gender affects different forms of violence is key to recognizing deeper injustices in society. When we become aware of these patterns, we can fight for true equality that includes all people, regardless of their gender identity.