How Theoretical Definitions and Perspectives Affect Research and Policy (From Family Violence: Research and Public Policy Issues, P 108-129, 1990, Douglas J Besharov, ed. -- See NCJ-125593)

• NCJ Number: 125601
• Author(s): R E Dobash; R P Dobash
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: University Press of America
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of research on violence against women considers the ways in which definitions and theoretical approaches affect conclusions and policy recommendations.

Abstract

Each piece of research involves a definition of the problem, including its name and some description or explanation; some general idea about its causes; and some general or specific notions about the kinds of solutions to be sought. Theoretical perspectives regarding the abuse of women include biological explanations; explanations that focus on individual characteristics like sociodemographic characteristics and personality traits; and discussions that focus on interactions between two or more persons. Additional approaches are the sociocultural perspective, which views violence as part of the wider culture, and the contextual approach, which tries to discuss a phenomenon in terms of the historical, individual, cultural, and other contexts in which it occurs. Each of these approaches has benefits and limitations and suggests particular policies and practices, with the contextual approach involving multiple levels of both analysis and response.