NCJ Number
98365
Date Published
1984
Length
211 pages
Annotation
This book on violence provides insight into why people behave violently and explains biological, sociological, and psychological factors that lie at the root of aggressive behavior.
Abstract
An introduction into the causes of violence, maintains that they consist of a complex mixture of biological, sociological, and psychological factors that go into molding the person who becomes violent. Factors such as learned behavior and the influences of television are explored within the context of psychological and behavioral theory. Prison riots and protest demonstrations are presented as examples of typical group violence and mob psychology occurrences, and such organizations as the Mafia and the Ku Klux Klan are given as illustrations of organized violence. Distinctions are made between spontaneous group violence and organized group violence. Assassination in the context of violence, and biographical data of recent and historical assassins are presented to illustrate psychological and sociological factors that influence violent behavior. Particular violent behaviors such as violence in sports, rape, domestic violence, and violence in prisons are discussed separately. The concluding chapter attempts to provide insights in how to deal with violence, focusing on changing the determinants of violent behavior. Reference notes for individual chapters are provided.