Violence : The Enduring Problem

by Alex Alvarez

• ISBN13: 9781412916851
• ISBN10: 1412916852
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-11-02
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

'œViolence and disorder constitute the primal problem of American history, the dark reverse of the coin of freedom and abundance.'Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â '”David T. Courtwright Beginning with a definition of violence and then introducing their primary theme, the interconnectedness of all violent crime, authors Alex Alvarez and Ronet Bachman employ the most up-to-date research, theories, and cases in their broad, interdisciplinary analysis of the patterns and correlates of violence. With a highly engaging writing style, the authors of Violence: The Enduring Problem explore a number of different types of both individual and collective violent acts and examine the linkages, behaviors, ideas, perceptions, and justifications that connect these different types of violence. Inspired generally by the fear of the pervasive violence in the world and more specifically by the recent Virginia Tech massacre, the text also addresses legislative, social, and political efforts to curb violent behavior. Key Features Provides a comprehensive yet accessible understanding of the nature and patterns of violence: Using an interdisciplinary approach to provide a more thorough and complete analysis of human behavior leading to violence, the book draws from a number of different disciplines including criminology and criminal justice, sociology, psychology, political science, and public health. Highlights commonalities between various forms of violence: Introducing the idea of the 'œunity of human aggression,' Alvarez and Bachman postulate that acts of violence share a significant number of core defining traits that join them together, such as rationalization or justification by the perpetrator, the predictive nature of past violence for future violence, the 'œspillover theory' of violence, and the 'œbrutalization hypothesis,' among others. By examining both individual and collective forms of violence the text illustrates the linkages between violent acts. Exposes readers to a wide range of aggressive behaviors: The book includes both contemporary and historical sources to explore a variety of types of interpersonal and group violent crimes, including homicide, assault, rape, domestic violence, robbery, genocide, riot, lynching, and terrorism among others. Offers policy connections and implications: By reviewing legislative, social, and political responses to violence, the authors help readers understand the direct impact of violence on society at large. Boasts extensive pedagogical tools: The text includes tables, charts, photographs, 'œIn Focus' boxes, and other visual aids to illustrate key concepts discussed in the book. Intended Audience This is an ideal core text for undergraduate and graduate courses such as Violence and Abuse, Sociology of Violence and Abuse, Violence in America, and Violent Crime in departments of criminology, criminal justice, sociology, political science, and social work.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

As American as Apple Pie

Chapter Introduction

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Explaining Violence

Chapter Introduction

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Aiding and Abetting Violence

Chapter Introduction

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Assault and Murder: A Continuum of Violence

Chapter Introduction

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Violence in the Home

Chapter Introduction

In-Focus Box: The Story of Amy Jones

In-Focus Box:When Mothers Kill

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Stranger Danger

Chapter Introduction

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Rape and Sexual Assault

Chapter Introduction

In-Focus Box: Rape at the University of Colorado

In-Focus Box: Rape in Prison

In-Focus Box: The Story of Maria--A Survivor of Rape and Genocide

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Mob Violence

Chapter Introduction

In-Focus Box: The New York Draft Riots

In-Focus Box: Vigilantism in Flagstaff

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Terrorism

Chapter Introduction

In-Focus Box: 9/11 and Al Qaeda

In-Focus Box: Portrait of a Terrorist

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Genocide

Chapter Introduction

In-Focus Box: Genocide Convention

In-Focus Box: The Genocide in Darfur

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

Towards Violence Prevention

Chapter Introduction

Conclusions

Discussion Excercises

Key Terms

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