Colombia is a country known for its joy, warmth and resilience. However, Recent incidents of violence, such as those carried out by fans during the Copa América Final in Miami, have raised questions about the nature of Colombian society. Why do violent behaviors arise in such a vibrant cultural context?
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It is also the case of Ramón Jesurum, president of the Colombian Football Federation, who, in his words, acted violently when trying to defend his son from alleged comments by logistics staff during the event. This resulted in his arrest and a night in jail, raising the question of his role as an example to fans.
Both incidents caused a wave of criticism and comments in the media and social networks; Some considered these events shameful and stated that Colombian society was sick and characterized by violence.
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However, Paola Moreno, director of the Areandina Sociology program in Bogotá, maintains that this statement is a simplification which ignores the complexity of the factors that influence human behavior.
The five reasons that generate violence
Social inequality: The deep gap between social classes that the country has historically had generates tensions and resentments that, in some cases, translate into violent behavior. “According to Karl Marx, founder of the so-called Scientific Socialism, economic inequalities can lead to social conflicts, and in Colombia these disparities are one of the main sources of violence.”says Moreno.
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Armed conflict: This problem has left indelible scars on the social fabric, creating an atmosphere of mistrust and fear. “This legacy of political violence, as explained by the renowned sociologist and mathematician Johan Galtung, in his theory on structural violence, perpetuates patterns of aggressive behavior in the population.“adds the Areandina teacher.
Inequality
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sexist culture: Traditional gender norms in Colombia have consolidated attitudes that perpetuate violence, especially against women and minority groups. “Sociologist Anthony Giddens highlights that relations of power and domination are fundamental to understanding how cultural norms also influence violent actions.”, he mentions.
Impunity: The lack of justice and scant punishment for criminals fuel a feeling of injustice that can lead to violence as a way to resolve conflicts. “Max Weber, one of the most distinguished social scientists of the 19th century in Germany and who is also cited by experts as one of the pioneers of sociology, argues that the legitimacy of institutions is crucial for social order, and in Colombia, impunity undermines this legitimacy”, indicates Moreno.
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Armed conflict in Colombia.
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Problems of access to education: According to Moreno, the barriers to accessing this fundamental right in the country, due to conditions of vulnerability and exclusion, can lead to violence. “As Paulo Freire, one of the most notable thinkers in the history of pedagogy worldwide, argued: education is an act of liberation and the lack of access to it deprives many of the opportunity to break cycles of poverty and violence.”.
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