NCJ Number
185493
Date Published
2000
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Concern with youth violence has intensified in response to recent high-profile violent attacks in schools; the authors believe that the heart of the problem lies in the deep reliance of U.S. society on coercive and adversarial processes.
Abstract
Violence is the extreme of a coercive continuum of threat and punishment for purposes of inducing or preventing behavior. The legal system, corrections residential treatment, the welfare system, the school system, and even families often rely extensively on threats and sanctions to maintain order. The authors contend, however, that coercive processes do not lead to the education and healing many other cultures recognize are essential to maintaining and strengthening society. Many young people have not experienced alternatives to coercive power and have not learned other ways of influencing their world. A significant amount of research has been devoted to violence and to youth violence in particular that has considered biological, experiential, and sociocultural factors. In response to youth violence, the PEACE POWER Working Group and other researchers have developed and begun testing strategies for constructing cultures of nonviolent, noncoercive power in schools, community organizations, and other networks. Because many factors contribute to violence, many approaches can contribute to solutions. Four practices on which the PEACE POWER strategy are briefly discussed: (1) Recognize contributions and successes; (2) Act with respect; (3) Share power to build community; and (4) Make peace. Tools the PEACE POWER Working Group has developed and tested over the past several years to reduce violence are noted, and the role of youth counseling in violence prevention is emphasized. 34 references and 2 figures