PSS315: An Anthropology of Structural Violence”, Paul Farmer argues that structural violence is “historically given and economically driven”: Peacebuilding and Security Assignment, SUSS, Singapore

Question 1

In his famous essay “An Anthropology of Structural Violence”, Paul Farmer argues that structural violence is “historically given and economically driven”. What does he mean by this? First, determine the structural sources of conflict and their relationship to direct violence. Then, explain the statement by using his examples of tuberculosis and HIV.

Question 2

Appraise information from different sources (journal articles, newspapers, academic textbooks, etc.), and bring brief, real-world examples that showcase the following characteristics of structural violence. Your examples should ideally come from South or Southeast Asia. You may use one example to explain all the characteristics of structural violence or choose different examples for the different characteristics. The important thing is that you explain what these characteristics mean through a concrete example.

1. Has material manifestations in the form of roads, buildings, power and sewer systems, borders, etc.
2. Is frequently transnational.
3. Constricts the agency of victims.
4. Is characterized by the erasure or distortion of history.