Etiology of mistreatment of medical residents from the theory of symbolic violence

Abstract

The organization in hospital medicine services is characterized by its hierarchy, where the difference in knowledge and status between medical directors, heads of service, specialist doctors and residents implicitly entail a power dynamic that generates abuse. According to Bourdieu's symbolic theory, the framework that underlies abuse is formed by symbolic violence that materializes in complex relationships in which each person knows their hierarchical position and does not question it. But this symbolic violence is experienced unconsciously, where abuse is perceived as an attitude that is part of an established order where the abuser and the abused act without questioning the abuse and perpetuating the historically inherited model. To eradicate abuse of residents, it is necessary to become aware of the symbolic foundation of abuse that legitimizes and perpetuates it to unmask the relationship between the abuser and the abused, proposing a new relational framework based on respect and dialogue.