Analyze Punitiveness

The culture of punishment has materialized in many forms and intensities throughout history. Still, to this day, it remains the predominant culture. Punitiveness is the majority trend and shapes our personal relationships and public policy models, especially in the field of security and justice. It is an ideology based on dominance, competition, revenge, repression and control, and, therefore, it is a framework that normalizes violence and reinforces it.

Many public expressions of punishment – such as prisons, video surveillance or police forces – remain immovable or on the rise and often seem unquestionable.

From ICIP, we believe that to defend the culture of peace, it is also necessary to question how punitiveness is expressed, what sustains it over time, and, above all, why. Are there more humane, just, and effective alternatives to managing and transforming violence? If so, which ones?