Understanding Violence

by Englander, Elizabeth Kandel

• ISBN13: 9780805819397
• ISBN10: 0805819398
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1997-01-01
• Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc Inc

Summary

What impels human beings to harm others -- family members or strangers? And how can these impulses and actions be prevented or controlled? Heightened public awareness of, and concern about, what is widely perceived as a recent explosion of violence -- on a spectrum from domestic abuse to street crime -- has motivated behavioral and social scientists to cast new light on old questions. Many hypotheses have been offered. This volume sorts, structures, and evaluates them. The author draws on contemporary research and theory in varied fields--sociology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work, neuropsychology, behavioral genetics, child development, and education--to present a uniquely balanced, integrated, and readable summary of what we currently know about the causes and effects of violence. Throughout, she emphasizes the necessity of distinguishing among different types of violent behavior and of realizing that nature and nurture interact in human development. Controversial issues such as physical punishment and violent television programming receive special attention making this volume an important resource for all those concerned with violent offenders and their victims -- and for their students and trainees. In this third edition of Understanding Violence, author Elizabeth Kandel Englander draws on contemporary research and theory in varied fields to present a uniquely balanced, integrated, and readable summary of what we currently know about the causes and effects of violence, particularly its effect on children. The goal of this textbook is to give a critical review of the most relevant and important areas of research on street and family violence, examining why it is that people become violent. Between 1994 and 2004 the United States benefited from a dramatic decline in rates of violent crime. However, as the economy has weakened in recent years and tougher times have returned, the crime rate has shown signs of a modest increase. Understanding Violence comes at this important juncture. The text is arranged into two sections, one of which focuses on broader issues, and another centering on specific types of abuse. This new edition will be a powerful text for all those interested in violent offenders and their victims.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Introduction	1	(10)
PART I: GENERAL ISSUES
The Numbers: How Common Is Violent Behavior Today?	11	(22)
Social Causes of Violence	33	(16)
Individual Causes of Violent Behavior	49	(30)
Television and Violence	79	(6)
The Biosocial Model	85	(14)
PART II: SPECIAL ISSUES
Substance Abuse and Violent Behavior	99	(6)
Gangs	105	(5)
Sexual Assault	110	(6)
Spouse Homicide	116	(8)
Child Abuse and Physical Punishment	124	(16)
Victims: The Consequences of Family Violence	140	(12)
Epilogue: Preventing and Controlling Violence	152	(4)
References	156	(21)
Author Index	177	(8)
Subject Index	185