What forms of violence are culturally condoned?

Forms of violence that are culturally condoned include corporal punishment, honour killings, and ritualistic violence.

Corporal punishment is a form of violence that is culturally condoned in many societies. This involves the use of physical force with the intention of causing pain, but not injury, for the purpose of correction or control. It is often used in the context of disciplining children or students, and is legal and accepted in many countries, despite international human rights bodies advocating for its abolition. The cultural acceptance of corporal punishment is often rooted in traditional beliefs about child-rearing and discipline.

Honour killings are another form of culturally condoned violence, predominantly occurring in parts of the Middle East and South Asia. This involves the murder of a family member, usually a female, who is perceived to have brought dishonour upon the family. The reasons for such killings can range from refusing to enter an arranged marriage to having a relationship deemed inappropriate. Despite being illegal in most countries where they occur, honour killings are often overlooked or lightly punished due to deep-rooted cultural norms and the concept of 'family honour'.

Ritualistic violence is another form of culturally condoned violence. This can include practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), which is prevalent in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. FGM is a cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Despite international condemnation and efforts to eradicate the practice, it continues to be performed due to cultural, religious, and social factors.

In many societies, violence in the form of warfare is also culturally condoned. This can be seen in the glorification of war and the military in many cultures, and the acceptance of violence as a means to resolve conflicts or achieve political goals. This form of violence is often justified through ideologies of nationalism, patriotism, and security.

It is important to note that while these forms of violence are culturally condoned in certain societies, they are generally considered human rights violations under international law. The cultural acceptance of violence often poses significant challenges to efforts to prevent and eradicate these practices.