Theoretical approach to understand violence from a critical approach

Finding a widely recognized or legitimized definition of violence is unlikely for several reasons, including because it is a multifaceted and multidimensional concept and because broadening or reducing this phrase ditch its descriptive and explanatory value, weakening its impact. However, it is essential to understand the meaning; the exercise, and the triggers for violence, and the starting point is to try to get close to a concept capable enough to juxtapose its best understanding. In this sense, the objective of this article is to carry out a theoretical-methodological approach to violence, based on the exploration of the theoretical contributions of some authors who analyze or take up this concept from a critical perspective, focusing on the Slavoj Zizek's analysis of violence (2008, 2009) is retaken as the central author due to the fact that his texts are essential in the critical thinking. The main conclusion of this text is that, without underestimating the theoretical perspective with which violence is examined - either as the result of the crises of a system, the consequence of the strategic calculation of a rational actor or as a product of the social-cultural structure - to have the necessary elements and achieve a better understanding of the phenomenon of violence, it is necessary to link it to other concepts such as: power, conflict, domination, exploitation and hegemonic discourse, which are highlighted throughout this document.