Past Human Rights Violations and the Question of Indifference: The Case of Chile

This book explores social indifference to human rights violations in Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship, using mixed methods to understand the causes, characteristics, and social consequences of this indifference. It offers insights into transitional justice processes and public policies on human rights in fragmented societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 203 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This groundbreaking book makes a significant contribution to the fields of memory and human rights. It presents a novel and interdisciplinary theory on social indifference, particularly focusing on the indifference of individuals to human rights violations perpetrated against specific sectors of society during turbulent times. Through a comprehensive approach that combines mixed methods, the book delves into the underlying causes, characteristics, and societal implications of the current indifference of Chileans towards the human rights violations committed during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-90). The diverse findings presented in this book offer a compelling invitation to reexamine the challenges of transitional justice processes in fragmented societies and to strengthen public policies on human rights.

The book begins by exploring the historical context of Chile, emphasizing the country's transition from a military regime to a democratic society. It highlights the importance of addressing the legacies of past violence and promoting reconciliation and social cohesion. The authors argue that social indifference towards human rights violations can hinder the process of transitional justice and perpetuate cycles of violence.

To investigate the phenomenon of social indifference, the book employs a multi-method approach. It combines qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interviews, surveys, and statistical analysis. The authors analyze a range of factors that contribute to social indifference, such as historical amnesia, political polarization, economic inequality, and cultural norms. They also examine the impact of social indifference on individuals and communities, including psychological effects, social marginalization, and the erosion of democratic values.

One of the key findings of the book is the prevalence of social indifference towards human rights violations in Chile. The authors argue that this indifference is not solely a result of individual behavior but is also shaped by broader social and political factors. They identify several factors that contribute to this indifference, including the absence of a strong memory culture, the influence of political elites, and the pervasiveness of a culture of impunity.

The book also explores the social consequences of social indifference towards human rights violations. It highlights the ways in which indifference can perpetuate cycles of violence, undermine social trust, and hinder the development of a democratic society. The authors argue that addressing social indifference is essential for promoting transitional justice and building a more inclusive and just society.

To address social indifference towards human rights violations, the book proposes several recommendations. It calls for the development of a comprehensive memory culture that includes the recognition and documentation of past human rights violations. It also advocates for the promotion of dialogue and social cohesion, as well as the implementation of policies that address economic inequality and promote social inclusion.

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing social indifference towards human rights violations. It suggests that international organizations, governments, and civil society should work together to promote human rights education, provide support to victims of human rights violations, and hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book makes a significant contribution to the fields of memory and human rights. It offers a novel and interdisciplinary theory on social indifference, particularly focusing on the indifference of individuals to human rights violations committed against specific sectors of society during turbulent times. Through a comprehensive approach that combines mixed methods, the book delves into the underlying causes, characteristics, and societal implications of the current indifference of Chileans towards the human rights violations committed during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-90). The diverse findings presented in this book offer a compelling invitation to reexamine the challenges of transitional justice processes in fragmented societies and to strengthen public policies on human rights. By addressing social indifference, we can work towards building a more inclusive and just society that honors the memory of past human rights violations and works towards a future free from the perpetration of such abuses.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030881696
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022