Cultural Violence by Johan Galtung (1990)

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Journal of Peace Research. vol. 27. no. 3. 1990. pp. 291-305

Executive Summary

1. Introduction to Cultural Violence

Galtung introduces cultural violence as any aspect of culture that legitimizes or normalizes violence, making harmful practices or structures appear morally acceptable, inevitable, or invisible. This symbolic layer operates through deeply embedded norms, narratives, and frameworks of meaning, which often sanction or conceal violence.

2. The Violence Triangle and Strata

Galtung conceptualizes violence within a triangular framework:

  • Direct violence: Physical acts of harm (e.g., killing, maiming, torture).

  • Structural violence: Systemic inequalities that restrict access to resources, rights, or opportunities.

  • Cultural violence: The symbolic frameworks that justify or normalize the above.

Cultural violence operates as the longest-lasting and most insidious layer, forming a substratum that sustains structural patterns and eruptions of direct violence. Through myths, ideologies, and cosmologies, cultural violence renders inequality natural and oppression acceptable.

3. Mechanisms and Examples

Galtung highlights six cultural domains where legitimization of violence is entrenched:

  • Religion and ideology: Concepts like chosen peoples, holy wars, and divine sanction.

  • Language: Terms and grammatical structures that invisibilize or dehumanize groups.

  • Art: Narratives and imagery reinforcing stereotypes and hierarchies.

  • Empirical science: Economic and social “laws” (e.g., comparative advantage) that normalize inequality.

  • Formal science: Logical frameworks privileging binary thinking, fostering polarization.

  • Cosmology: Deep assumptions about superiority, separateness, and domination.

4. Gandhi’s Contribution

Galtung aligns his framework with Gandhian philosophy, emphasizing two principles:

  • Unity of life: No form of life is inherently superior or expendable.

  • Unity of means and ends: Peaceful ends must be pursued through peaceful means; violence cannot produce lasting justice.

5. Toward a Culture of Peace

The article concludes with a call to transform cultural narratives to dismantle the legitimization of violence. Galtung envisions a virtuous triangle where:

  • Cultural peace fosters inclusive narratives and shared dignity.

  • Structural peace creates equitable systems.

  • Direct peace promotes cooperation and nonviolence.

This approach expands the field of peace research by integrating the humanities, philosophy, and cultural studies into the pursuit of systemic transformation.