Contextualization

Violence is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that manifests itself in different ways and in distinct dimensions of social life. It is present in interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships, in power dynamics, in the domestic and public spheres, and is intersected by different social markers such as gender, social class, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, among others. To understand violence in its multiple forms and manifestations, it is essential to appropriate the concepts and theories developed by the social sciences and, in particular, by sociology.

In this sense, one of the key concepts is that of symbolic violence, coined by the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. Symbolic violence is that which is exerted so subtly that it is interpreted as natural or common. It does not necessarily involve physical force, but is based on power relations that are legitimized by discourses and practices deeply embedded in our culture. Another important concept is that of structural violence, used by Johan Galtung, which refers to violence that is embedded in social, political, and economic structures, generating inequalities and deprivations. Structural violence is not directly visible, but its consequences are evident in poverty statistics, hunger, lack of access to education and health, among other social indicators.

Importance of the Theme

Violence is a daily reality that impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide. Therefore, understanding its dynamics, causes, and consequences is essential to develop effective strategies for prevention and intervention. Furthermore, the analysis of violence can help us better understand the nature of the societies in which we live, the power relations that structure them, and the factors that can lead to social change. In Brazil, violence has multiple faces, expressed in domestic violence, structural racism, homophobia, femicide, police violence, among others.

In this project, you will have the opportunity to delve into this theme, investigating a specific case of violence in order to understand its causes, consequences, and possible forms of addressing it. Additionally, you will be able to apply theoretical concepts to the analysis of a concrete situation, which will contribute to the development of your sociological reasoning skills.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Expressions of Violence: A Sociological Approach

Project Objective:

The objective of this activity is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theme of violence. They should be able to identify and analyze different forms of violence, understand the causes and consequences of these forms, and evaluate prevention and intervention strategies. For this, students will research and present a case study of a specific form of violence in Brazilian society.

Project Description:

In this project, each group of students (3 to 5 students per group) will be responsible for choosing a specific form of violence, researching about it, and presenting their analysis in the form of a written report and an oral presentation.

Required Materials:

• Internet access for research.
• Computer or other device for report writing and presentation preparation.
• Books and articles on the sociology of violence (reading suggestions provided above).

Step by Step:

1. Group Formation: Each group should consist of 3 to 5 students.

2. Topic Selection: The group should choose a specific form of violence to study.

3. Research Planning: Students should develop research questions, define their methodology (literature review, interviews, case analysis, etc.), and plan the work to be done.

4. Research Execution: Students should conduct the research according to the plan.

5. Report Writing: Based on the collected and analyzed data, the report should be written according to the previously defined format.

6. Presentation Preparation: In addition to the written report, students should prepare an oral presentation on their findings.

Project Deliverables:

• Written Report: The report should be between 10 to 15 pages and should include the following topics: Introduction, development, conclusions, and bibliography used.

  • Introduction: Should contextualize the theme, explain its relevance and application in Brazilian society, and the research objective.
  • Development: Here, students should explain the theory related to the chosen form of violence, explain the research methodology, present the collected data, and discuss their results.
  • Conclusion: Students should summarize the main points of their research, explain what they have learned, and the conclusions drawn from their work.
  • Bibliography: Should list all sources used in the research.

• Oral Presentation: The presentation should last 15 to 20 minutes and should be structured as follows:

  • Introduction to the theme and justification for the choice.
  • Description of the methodology used.
  • Presentation and discussion of the main results.
  • Conclusions and final reflections.

The deliverables should connect to the practical work carried out by the group, allowing students to consolidate and improve their knowledge of the studied form of violence, develop their research and teamwork skills, and practice their writing and presentation skills.