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1 results

  • Introduction: - Caste War Violence – Prospect and State of the Art

  • Wolfgang Gabbert, Leibniz Universität Hannover
  • Book:
    Violence and the Caste War of Yucatán
    Published online:
    09 August 2019
    Print publication:
    22 August 2019, pp 1-14
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  • Summary

    The chapter discusses the results from the anthropology and sociology of violence that seem most significant for the topic of this book. These help to understand the dynamics of the Caste War and to recognize the key structural and social contexts in which violent acts evolved. Rather than interpreting it as an irrational outburst of atavistic instincts, violence should be understood in most cases as a multi-faceted means to achieve certain ends. It can be used to obtain material gain, establish dominance or express ideas. Violence and war have strong transformative qualities, so that the composition of the contending parties as well as their motives for fighting can undergo change over time. In addition, the reasons why leaders take part in the struggle may differ radically from those of the rank and file.