Who is the victim? A personal statement of the "sociology of violence" course

As the title suggests, this work is about my personal understanding of violence. In addition, an example from the completed group work of the seminar "Sociology of Violence" is used. If you try to define violence, you will notice that violence can only be evaluated subjectively and that there is no uniform definition. For example, Randall Collins tries to differentiate types of violence with his micro-violence theory.

Thus it can be stated that although violence can be differentiated and thus found in different dimensions, it cannot be generalized to a simple definition. In the course of this work, I would like to offer the reader just one explanatory approach and explain my individual position on violence. In addition, the essay is intended to sensitize the reader to the concept of violence and to enable a detached understanding of social norms.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Theory
• Case Study: Bairro Jamaica – the media violence
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• References

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay aims to explore the author's personal understanding of violence and analyze the case study of the Jamaica Bairro in Lisbon. It investigates the concept of violence through various theoretical lenses, particularly those of Randall Collins and Michel Wieviorka. The essay ultimately questions whether it is possible to clearly demarcate between perpetrator and victim in instances of violence.

• The subjective nature of violence and the lack of a uniform definition
• The role of social norms and their violation in triggering violence
• The various forms of subjectivity in perpetrating violence, as proposed by Wieviorka
• The media's portrayal of violence and its impact on perceptions
• The complexities of defining and addressing violence within a social context

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the essay, establishing the author's personal perspective on violence and the focus on the Jamaica Bairro case study. It also introduces the key question of whether a clear distinction between perpetrator and victim is possible.
• Theory: This chapter presents a brief overview of the theories of Randall Collins and Michel Wieviorka, highlighting their distinct approaches to understanding violence. Collins' theory focuses on micro-violence, emphasizing the five pathways to violence within social interactions. Wieviorka, on the other hand, analyzes the subjectivity of the perpetrator, identifying five different forms of individuals who engage in violent acts.
• Case Study: Bairro Jamaica – the media violence: This chapter delves into the case study of Jamaica Bairro, a neighborhood in Lisbon facing social and political challenges. The media portrayal of the district as a slum and the government's efforts to dissolve it are examined, highlighting the role of media violence in shaping public perceptions. The chapter also explores the tensions between the inhabitants, the police, and the government.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on the multifaceted concept of violence, exploring theoretical frameworks, case studies, and social context. Key terms and concepts include micro-violence, subjectivity, social norms, media violence, political conflict, and the Jamaica Bairro in Lisbon.

Details

• Grade: 2,3
• Author: Iryna Lysenko (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 11
• Catalog Number: V501267
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346040459
• ISBN (Book): 9783346040466
• Language: English