Transformation of Habitus - From Symbolic Violence to Domestic Violence : A Study of Iranian Immigrants in Sweden

Abstract: Objective: This study emphasizes the importance of preventing domestic violence among Iranian immigrants living in Sweden. For this purpose the study suggests the need for investigating the indirect form of violence, namely symbolic violence, which coexist with other forms of violence and legitimize other patterns of violence. Methods: To carry out this task ten in-depth interviews with Iranian-born women and men living in Sweden was conducted. Bourdieu’s theory of logic of practice, which is the basis for the analysis of the relationship between symbolic violence and the different forms of violence, was implemented. Results: The results of the study highlight that there is resistance to and reflexivity on the transformation of habitus with regard to symbolic violence in both male and female participants. The degree to which each participant could adjust their old habitus in the new field depended on the visibility or invisibility of the new possibilities to their vision. Resistance to change was evident in both male and female participants, proving the fact that, similar to women, men are “gendered-humans” who can be victims of cultural and social construction. Conclusion: Therefore, it is important to design awareness programs showing these hidden forms of violence that target not only immigrant women but also immigrant men. This can be done initially by recognising the existence of symbolic violence within the family and social communities and by educating these immigrants about the impact of this form of violence. By so doing, we can bridge the gap between what is perceived as violence and its legal definition. The failure to recognise such violence can be viewed as indicative of an everlasting presence of domestic violence not only among immigrant communities but also wider society.