'Collective pain' refers to the shared experience of suffering endured by a group of people, often resulting from systemic injustices, historical traumas, or ongoing social, economic, and political inequalities. This concept highlights the interconnected nature of individual and community distress, where the pain of one member reverberates through the entire collective. Understanding collective pain involves recognizing the complex webs of interdependence and the ways that oppressive structures perpetuate cycles of harm, grief, and loss. It calls for a compassionate approach that acknowledges both the depth of the wounds and the resilience of communities. By addressing collective pain, we engage in a healing process that not only fosters solidarity but also challenges and transforms the underlying conditions that perpetuate suffering.
See also: systemic violence, global change, climate justice, mental health, power relation