Weekly Analysis Assignment #5 Read the paper, On Suffering and Structural Violence, by Paul Farmer (1996), then go to “course videos” and watch the video titled “Structural Violence Explanation.” Take notes as you do the reading and watch the video, and formulate a working definition of structural violence. If you want additional definitions of “structural violence,” do a quick pdf or document “search” of the readings by Holmes (see syllabus).
In 350-400 words total, answer the following questions: (1) Using bullet points, list five facets or components of structural violence; that is, five words/sentences needed to define and understand it.
In paragraph/essay form, answer the following two questions: (2) Thought experiment:
How do you think structural violence might effect the prevalence of COVID-19 in the U.S. from a demographic and experiential perspective? (hint: use your working definition and understanding of structural violence to hypothesize how structural violence might effect how COVID-19 spreads and is treated in the U.S.)
(3) Do a google search to find a news publication that can provide a concrete example of how structural violence is connected to COVID-19 (hint: you need to understand and recognize structural violence in specific contexts…as the term will most likely not be used when you find examples).
Explain WHY the example of structural violence you found is indeed an appropriate example of structural violence (in other words, why is the particular context of suffering or violence you found structural violence and not some other form of violence or suffering).
Structural Violence Video Link:
