NCJ Number
79058
Journal
Social Defence Volume: 16 Issue: 61 Dated: (July 1980) Pages: 28-32
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The proclivity of Indian youth to outbreaks of violence during mass demonstrations is analyzed.
Abstract
Collective violence is explained as the ultimate expression of a violating tendency and behavior when imitation of or identification with any particular impulsive action speaks of the group character. A notable historical instance of such an outbreak occurred in 1922, when Mahatma Gandhi called off a planned demonstration of nonviolence and noncooperation because his followers, impulsive and emotional youths, took to rock throwing in the name of their leader. Similar heightened violence was exhibited in 1942, 1947, and 1965. Since the behavior of youth is deemed purposive and goal-directed, some potential causes for future outbreaks of violence are listed. The first of these is an educational system which is failing to meet young people's expectations of self-fulfillment. A pessimistic attitude toward the proclaimed democratic ideals of the country is reinforced by high unemployment, even of the well educated, leaving them vulnerable to emotionally charged slogans of political extremists. The authority images of the country's leaders are deemed faulty and lacking in ability to unite and inspire, inviting humiliation and violence instead. Police brutality in suppressing undisciplined group behavior has further contributed to the animosity of the youth against authority. Individuals who actively participate in mass violence are frequently motivated by unconscious psychological conflicts rather than purely political ones. To forestall a resurgence of mass violence movements, youth welfare programs based on well-planned social defense research is recommended. A reference list of 8 items is given.