Social Policy as Slow Violence: Uncovering the Hidden Impacts

Unveiling the Subtle Yet Profound Ways Social Policies Harm Individuals and Communities

Impoverishment and Asylum: Social Policy as Slow Violence (Routledge Advances in Sociology)

by Lawrence Auster

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3085 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	172 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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In the realm of sociology and public health, a profound concept has emerged: slow violence. Unlike the immediate and visible harms inflicted by acts of violence, slow violence operates insidiously, its effects unfolding over an extended period of time. And as Didier Fassin and Richard Rechtman argue in their groundbreaking book, Social Policy as Slow Violence, this concept is essential for understanding the hidden impacts of social policies.

Defining Slow Violence

Fassin and Rechtman define slow violence as "a violence that is not necessarily spectacular, but is nevertheless insidious and deadly." It is a form of violence that is often overlooked or ignored because it does not fit the traditional definition of violence as a deliberate act of harm.

Instead, slow violence is characterized by its indirect and cumulative effects. It is the result of structural inequalities and social policies that create and perpetuate conditions that undermine the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Examples of Slow Violence

The authors provide numerous examples of slow violence in action, including:

* Environmental pollution that causes respiratory illnesses and other health problems * Lack of access to quality healthcare, leading to preventable deaths and disabilities * Housing insecurity, which contributes to physical and mental health problems * Food insecurity, which leads to malnutrition and other health risks * Occupational hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or workplace accidents * Incarceration, which has been linked to increased rates of chronic diseases and mental illness

The Impact of Slow Violence

The consequences of slow violence are far-reaching and devastating. It can lead to:

* Increased morbidity and mortality * Reduced life expectancy * Exacerbation of existing health conditions * Disability * Social isolation * Economic hardship * Environmental degradation

Fassin and Rechtman argue that slow violence is a major public health problem that requires urgent attention. They call for a shift in perspective, away from the focus on individual risk factors and towards the structural factors that create and perpetuate health inequalities.

Social Policies as a Source of Slow Violence

One of the most important contributions of Social Policy as Slow Violence is its examination of the role of social policies in perpetuating slow violence. The authors argue that social policies are often designed and implemented in ways that exacerbate existing inequalities and harm vulnerable populations.

For example, policies that prioritize economic growth over environmental protection can lead to increased pollution and its associated health risks. Policies that restrict access to healthcare and other social services can make it difficult for people to stay healthy and productive. And policies that criminalize poverty and homelessness can lead to further marginalization and social isolation.

Addressing Slow Violence

Fassin and Rechtman conclude their book with a call to action. They argue that it is essential to address the root causes of slow violence in Free Download to create a more just and equitable society. This requires:

* Rethinking the way we design and implement social policies * Investing in programs that promote health and well-being for all * Challenging the structural inequalities that perpetuate slow violence * Empowering individuals and communities to advocate for their rights

Social Policy as Slow Violence is a powerful and provocative book that challenges us to rethink the way we understand the impacts of social policy. By exposing the hidden effects of slow violence, the authors make a compelling case for the need to prioritize social justice and health equity. This book is essential reading for anyone who cares about creating a more just and sustainable world.

About the Authors

Didier Fassin is a professor of sociology at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. He is the author of numerous books on health, inequality, and migration.

Richard Rechtman is a professor of sociology at the University of Paris-Saclay. He is the author of several books on social policy, urban poverty, and public health.

Impoverishment and Asylum: Social Policy as Slow Violence (Routledge Advances in Sociology)

by Lawrence Auster

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3085 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	172 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE