NCJ Number
119370
Date Published
1989
Length
39 pages
Annotation
Collective violence is associated with the Western political process, and major changes in the character of violence stem from major changes in the political system.
Abstract
Explorations of Western Europe, especially France and Great Britain, over the last few centuries suggest a political interpretation of collective violence. Far from being mere side effects of urbanization, industrialization, and other large structural changes, violent conflicts arise from struggles over rights, obligations, and places in the structure of power. Even presumably nonpolitical forms of collective violence, such as the anti-tax revolt or the struggle over food, are normally directed against authorities, accompanied by a critique of the authorities' meeting of their responsibilities and informed by a sense of justice denied to the participants in the conflict. Instead of constituting a sharp break from "normal" political life, furthermore, violent struggles tend to accompany, complement, and extend organized, peaceful attempts by the same people to achieve their objectives. 37 notes.