Understanding violence – A cross-cultural perspective A project of the 12th International Project Week at the University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen Lecturer: Ingvill Kristiansen

Structure 1.Definition of violence 2.Violence in the Western society 3.Ethnocentrism & cultural relativism 4.Definition of Hooliganism 5.Rituals 6.Code of Honor 7.Interview with an Hooligan 8.Final thoughts 9.Sources

Definition of violence A common definition of violence is the physical damaging of a person. A wider definition implements also violence on a psychological level

Violence in the western society In general: rejection of violence Article in constitution: right of being intact Most people socialized that way but Minority of people don‘t act conform with those values They gather in many different groups (political/non-political)

Ethnocentrism – Judging other cultures on the basis of your own culture Cultural relativism – Any cultural practice is okay, because it`s a cultural tradition – „All cultures are equal.“

Hooligans

Definition of Hooliganism Hooliganism refers to unruly and destructive behaviour. Such behaviour is commonly associated with sports fans, particularly supporters of association football and university sports.

Rituals Celebrating violent rituals (kick, being superior) Organized in „firms“ Meet in pub before the match Lot of drugs involved Battle songs to heat up

Code of honor Strict fighting rules In general, no audience involved No beating up persons lying on the ground No weapons Equally strong groups But more than often disregarded => Alarming example: 39 dead people in a football match

Interview with an Hooligan Breaking out of the typical role expectations from the society Stressed because of job and hierarchical structures Non-political rebellion against the governmental use of power Satisfaction when using violence against other people Continue because of „addiction“ Leads to feeling of being superior Competition with others Unity, honor and pride

Some last thoughts… Understanding of values different all over the world Estimated by the specific culture in a culture there are some subcultures, with another understanding of values