https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5665-6506
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ABSTRACT
The tendency of Indigenous people to direct their frustration and anger, due to oppression, toward members of their own group is known as lateral violence. While settler-colonization is often attributed as the main cause of lateral violence, research has not examined what specific aspects lead to lateral violence in Aboriginal communities. In a qualitative study, using yarning and thematic analysis, 17 Aboriginal Australians (53% male, 47% female) ranging in age from 18 to over 60, discussed what they believed to be the causes of lateral violence. Knowledge holders identified historical and contemporary causes and perpetuating factors of lateral violence, all of which were related to settler-colonialism. These causes included living in a colonial society, native title, access and competition for limited resources, the process of obtaining confirmation of Aboriginality certificate, identity issues and internalized racism, past traumas, and returning back to traditional lands. Settler-colonialism is a structure through which lateral violence was, and is, allowed to flourish. Challenges to the settler-colonial system need to be made to effectively combat lateral violence.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
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6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will collectively be referred to as Aboriginal here forth.
7 Australian Human Rights Commission, Social Justice Report 2011.
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Additional information
Notes on contributors
Theoni Whyman
Theoni Whyman is a Paakantji woman. She is a guest lecturer in cross-cultural psychology and recently completed her PhD in Psychology. Her focus is on Aboriginal wellbeing, lateral violence among Aboriginal people, and Indigenous research methodologies. She also has experience in research with people of refugee background.
Cammi Murrup-Stewart
Dr Cammi Murrup-Stewart, is Aboriginal woman with close ties to Wurundjeri Country and a family history impacted by the Stolen Generation policies. An Assistant Lecturer (Indigenous) and researcher at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, her research focuses on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal youth, with an emphasis on building the strategies young mob have for improving their wellbeing and mental health, using Indigenous methodologies, and supporting Indigenous students pursuing higher education. Her research aims to centre the voices of Indigenous peoples and other marginalised groups. Cammi has over 8 years of experience in the international and local community development and health sectors, with a Bachelor and Masters in International Development. She has won a number of awards over the years, including the prestigious 2020 Premier's Award for Health and Medical Research - Indigenous Researcher.
Michael Young
Michael Young is a Paakantji and Parrintji community Elder. He lives close to traditional Country and appreciates the opportunity to increase his cultural knowledge from senior Elders and community. He is an advocate for the Paakantji and Parrintji people as well as the Willandra Lakes region (UNESCO World Heritage site), including ancestral remains. As a representative for Paakantji/Parrintji Traditional Owners he contributes to valuable community work such as the repatriation of Mungo Man's remains, the oldest ceremonial burial in the world.
Adrian Carter
Associate Professor Adrian Carter is an NHMRC Research Fellow and Director, Community Engagement and Neuroethics, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University. He is also Director, Neuroethics Program, ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Co-Chair, Neuroethics Committee, Australian Brain Alliance and Co-Editor-in-Chief of Neuroethics (Springer). Dr Carter has been an advisor to the WHO, OECD, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, and UNODC.
Laura Jobson
Associate Professor Laura Jobson is based at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University. Her research primarily focuses on the influence of culture on the processes involved in the aetiology and maintenance of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Dr Jobson is also a registered Psychologist with Clinical endorsement and experience culturally tailoring psychological interventions.