NCJ Number
221887
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2008 Pages: 45-59
Date Published
January 2008
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper examined accounts of the Bosnian genocides to determine if Lonnie Athens’ violentization theory and the circumplex theory from family therapy could be used to explain the genocides.
Abstract
This research analyzed both micro and macro dimensions and the structural and agency components of the Bosnian genocides and found that the perpetrator groups became more violent as they went through the violentization process within a society that transformed into a rigid and enmeshed system. The violentization process involves four stages: 1) brutalization—witnessing, learning and experiencing violence; 2) defiance—using violence to stop violence; 3) violent dominant engagements; 4) virulency—violence and dangerous selves; and 5) extreme virulency—torture, rape, and mass murder, added to address violent behavior that goes beyond killing to include torture and mutilation. The violentization theory was used to examine the micro dimensions of the genocides, while the circumplex theory was used at the macro level to address how organizations and social groups engaged in genocidal behavior in Bosnia. Data on the Bosnian genocides were collected from court transcripts, professional research reports, human rights reports, and books. Texts that provided information about the social conditions and the actions of perpetrators during the Bosnian genocides were also examined. Directed content analysis of the data was used to test the fit of the two theories with the Balkan genocide cases. Limitations of the study are discussed and recommendations for future research are presented. Figure, references