Family Violence in Cross-Cultural Perspective (From Handbook of Family Violence, P 435-455, 1988, Vincent B Van Hasselt, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-113381)

• NCJ Number: 113397
• Author(s): D Levinson
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Plenum Press
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study discusses the contributions cross-cultural studies have made or might make to the understanding of family violence.

Abstract

A review of cross-cultural approaches for the study of family violence covers case studies, longitudinal comparisons, regional comparisons, intrasocietal comparisons, small-scale comparisons, and hologeistic or worldwide comparative studies. After describing the types of families considered in cross-cultural studies of family violence, the paper outlines the types of family violence associated with the various age levels of family members. The findings summarized pertain to cross-cultural sexual inequality, cultural patterning of violence, and social-organization theories of family violence. Remaining discussions focus on research relevant to the effect of social change on family violence and the role of cross-cultural studies in developing models and programs for the control and prevention of family violence. Preliminary analysis suggests that four factors are important in controlling and preventing family violence: sexual equality between spouses, monogamy and a low divorce rate, a social pattern of resolving disagreements peacefully, and outside help for persons threatened with family violence. 85 references.