NCJ Number
27015
Date Published
1975
Length
352 pages
Annotation
MATERIAL FROM HISTORY, ECONOMICS, SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND POLITICAL SCIENCE IS USED TO MEASURE RECENT TRENDS TOWARD VIOLENT BEHAVIOR, AND TO ESTIMATE THEIR EFFECTS ON AMERICA'S FUTURE.
Abstract
THE FIRST SECTION DEALS WITH MANIFESTATIONS; VIOLENCE IN CRIME, THE BEHAVIOR OF YOUTH GANGS, ASSASSINATIONS OF PUBLIC FIGURES, VIOLENCE BETWEEN RACES, AND MILITANT PROTESTS. IT EXAMINES THE POPULAR OR 'LAW AND ORDER' RESPONSES TO EACH KIND OF VIOLENT ERUPTION. THE SECOND SECTION EXPLORES SOURCES OR CAUSES OF VIOLENCE. IT RECAPITULATES THE DEBATE ON WHETHER AGGRESSIVENESS IS INNATE OR IS LEARNED. IT SUMS UP THE ONGOING CONTROVERSIES OVER VIOLENCE IN ENTERTAINMENT. IT EVALUATES THE DISPUTES OVER GUN CONTROL. IT EXPLORES AMERICA'S PREOCCUPATION WITH THE CONCEPT OF 'MACHISMO,' A PREOCCUPATION THAT CAN ENCOURAGE AGGRESSIVENESS AND TOUGHNESS AS MARKS OF COMPETENCE OR OF MANLINESS. THE THIRD SECTION CONSIDERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT, AND CALLS FOR REVISION OF PREVALENT ATTITUDES ON VIOLENCE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)