9. VIOLENCE, DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION: AN ANALYTIC FRAMEWORK

Abstract

To understand fully the role of violence and the related extent of harm inflicted upon various population groups or individuals in a democratic society, or in any society for that matter, two things are required. One needs first to conduct a systematic analysis of the different forms of violence existing in that society. Second, on that basis, one must try to establish the patterns and relationships linking these manifestations of violence to the prevailing economic, social, and political power structures, in order to establish accountability. The framework outlined in this report is offered as a tool to facilitate a third type of analysis. This report was guided by the assumption that violence is a multi-faceted phenomenon associated with specific causes and responsible people or institutions. The report also reflects a strong belief in the existence of universal human rights and the premise that the different forms of violence mentioned in the article are sources of harm or suffering regardless of the type of society and culture one lives in and no matter one's own individual characteristics. Whether Chinese or Swiss, Muslim or Jew, man or woman, situations like torture , hunger, illiteracy, lack of political freedom, living in fear, and lack of self-determination are hurtful. Education's place in the study of human rights violations is particularly important because of its potential role as either a negative or positive factor with strong multiplier effects in each case.