STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE AND HUMAN VULNERABILITY IN AFRICAN POLITICS

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to undertake a philosophical analysis of the notions of structural violence, human vulnerability and examine the linkages between them. The objectives were to: analyse the context and meaning of Johan Galtung’s idea of structural violence, examine the debate over the meaning and value of structural violence, to analyse the concept of human vulnerability and identify the linkages between the ideas of structural violence and human vulnerability. The study focused primarily on the works of Johan Galtung on structural violence, and Martha Fineman’s works on human vulnerability. These texts were subjected to hermeneutical analysis, enabling the determination of authorial intent and other meanings of the texts. This led to the establishment of a connection between structural violence and human vulnerability. The findings from the study are that; Johan Galtung’s structural violence thesis can be applied to different contexts, the meaning and value of Johan Galtung’s structural violence can be helpful in articulating certain social and political predicaments, that there is a linkage between the notions structural violence and human vulnerability. This study also proposed the Ubuntu theory as a paradigm for addressing the political predicaments currently experienced. Ubuntu theory is a humanist driven philosophy which promotes the values of reciprocity, care and togetherness. This will be greatly helpful in reengineering and reconstructing Nigeria’s political system into becoming one which is more functional and responsive in meeting the needs of her citizens.