What concept refers to harm caused by impersonal, exploitative, and unjust systems?

The concept that refers to harm caused by impersonal, exploitative, and unjust systems is structural violence. Structural violence emphasizes the ways in which social structures, such as institutions, economic systems, and political frameworks, create and perpetuate inequalities and suffering. This harm is often indirect and occurs through established practices and norms that disadvantage certain groups while benefiting others.

For example, structural violence can manifest in areas such as healthcare access, education, and employment opportunities, where certain populations may systematically face barriers due to factors like their socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location. The idea encapsulates the notion that harm does not always arise from direct acts of violence but can result from broader systematic forces that create disparity and injustice.

In contrast, cultural imperialism focuses on the dominance of one culture over another, often leading to the subjugation of local cultures. Systemic racism specifically targets racial inequities within systems but does not encompass the broader range of injustices that structural violence entails. Social disorganization relates to the breakdown of social structures and networks that can lead to crime and other social issues, but it does not necessarily imply the wider systemic consequences associated with structural violence.