Aggression as the Final Stage of Frustration Context within the Mozambican Reality and Forms of Prevention

Alberto Mudjadju"

Sociologist and peace theorist Johan Galtung argues that aggression is the end result of a process of accumulated frustration. According to the author, when basic human needs—such as security, freedom, dignity, employment, education, and social participation—are prevented from being met, frustration arises. When this frustration remains unresolved for a long time, it can transform into aggression and violence. Galtung states that violence does not only appear in physical form. It can also exist in social and cultural structures. Structural violence occurs when institutions and the organization of society prevent people from accessing basic living conditions. Cultural violence, on the other hand, occurs when beliefs, discourses, and social practices justify or normalize violence. In this way, aggression is seen as a consequence of prolonged social injustices. In the Mozambican reality, Galtung's thinking can be observed in different social and political situations. One of the main examples is poverty and youth unemployment. Many young people in Mozambique face difficulties in finding work, completing their studies, and achieving better living conditions. The lack of opportunities generates feelings of exclusion, despair, and revolt. When these frustrations increase, some people end up resorting to crime, urban violence, or aggressive behavior. Another important example is the armed conflict in the province of Cabo Delgado. Despite the existence of valuable natural resources, such as gas and minerals, many communities continue to live in extreme poverty. Part of the population feels excluded from the economic and social benefits generated by the exploitation of these resources. According to Galtung's theory, this exclusion represents a form of structural violence. As a consequence, frustrated and marginalized young people become vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups, which use social unrest to promote violence and instability. Furthermore, election periods in Mozambique also demonstrate how frustration can transform into aggression. At times, accusations of electoral fraud, lack of transparency, and political exclusion arise. When the population loses confidence in institutions and believes that justice does not exist, protests, confrontations, and social conflicts increase. In this context, aggression becomes a manifestation of collective frustration. To prevent aggression and violence, Galtung advocates building a culture of peace based on social justice. This means that prevention should not be limited to the use of police or military force, but should seek to eliminate the root causes of frustration. In Mozambique, one of the main forms of prevention is investing in education, health, employment, and economic development. When people have access to basic needs, the feeling of exclusion decreases and hope for the future increases.Another important measure is promoting the inclusion of young people in society. Vocational training programs, support for entrepreneurship, and community participation help create opportunities and reduce social marginalization. It is also essential to strengthen dialogue, tolerance, and national reconciliation, especially in conflict-affected regions. Strengthening public institutions also plays a fundamental role. Transparent, fair, and accountable institutions increase public trust in the state and reduce feelings of injustice. In this way, citizens begin to believe more in peaceful solutions to their problems, avoiding the use of violence. In conclusion, according to Johan Galtung, aggression is the final stage of accumulated frustration. In the Mozambican reality, factors such as poverty, social inequality, youth unemployment, political exclusion, and armed conflict contribute to increased violence. To prevent this problem, it is necessary to promote social justice, economic inclusion, dialogue, and the strengthening of institutions. Only by eliminating the root causes of frustration will it be possible to build lasting peace in Mozambique.

2025/12/3