NCJ Number
188780
Journal
Sociological Inquiry Volume: 71 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2001 Pages: 221-240
Editor(s)
Sampson Lee Blair
Date Published
2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study provided insight into the batterer’s viewpoint, and compares and contrasts batters’ and comparison subjects’ perspectives in intimate relationships, specifically in reference to the self and others.
Abstract
This study explored ways in which men’s construction of their self and others facilitate or constrain their violent behavior. A case comparison study of domestic violence was conducted in 1995 and 1996. Fifty-eight men, 33 with a recent history of domestic violence and 25 with no history of domestic violence were interviewed. A symbolic interactionist perspective was used to examine in-depth interviews with both the batterers and the comparison group of non-violent male subjects. Results revealed that batterers deny both responsibility for and the wrongness of their behavior. Also, the strategies batterers use to minimize their violence, including denial and blame were identified. The batterers held both the idea of their violent selves and the evidence of their violent selves at a distance. The finding indicates that the batterer’s perceptions of the woman’s role shades his interpretation of her behavior as well as his decision to act violently toward her. The comparison group described a deeper understanding of their significant other’s physical and emotional pain. They used the understanding to take the role of the other in their intimate relationships. Results suggested batterer counseling programs that would take steps to help batterers acknowledge the inappropriate nature of their violence and learn to incorporate their recognition of the violent selves into their global self-views before they can begin dramatic self-change. References