Perspectives on the Causes of Violence: The Socio-Political Perspective (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 70-74, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122441
• Author(s): E Z Friedenberg
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

If we are to live together with less fear and greater mutual trust, we must understand the relationship between violence, power, and order that prevail in every society and respond to them with greater candor.

Abstract

The State is a potential source of violence against citizens. Canadian authorities are, by world standards, seldom physically abusive. Still, the State can indirectly contribute to circumstances that breed violence. A government that fosters long-term structural unemployment in a context that makes self-esteem a function of affluence contributes to a society with internal strife. In such a society, the State may defend privilege and oppress those who challenge the status quo. The State inevitably enforces laws through its monopoly on legitimate force and violence based on its perception of threats to State authority and control. The State thus has the potential to foster violent behavior through unjust socioeconomic policies and to suppress such behavior through a lawful use of violence. Citizens must always hold the State accountable for policies that breed violence and use force in the name of citizen protection.