Social and Structural Factors in Family Violence (From Violence in the Home - Interdisciplinary Perspectives, P 98-123, 1986, Mary Lystad, ed. See NCJ-100818)

• NCJ Number: 100823
• Author(s): G J McCall; N M Shields
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: Brunner/Mazel, Inc.
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Eleven types of sociological theories have been applied in varying degrees to the problems of nonsexual and sexual abuse of spouses, children, siblings, elderly persons, and dates.

Abstract

However, most of the theories have addressed only one or a few forms of domestic violence. In addition, little theory exists to explain sexual violence. The main theories are feminist, cultural, subcultural, family organization, systems, resource exchange, interactionist, sex role, intergenerational transmission, victim precipitation, and stress and isolation theories. The intergenerational transmission theory has been the most widely applied. The theoretical issues have drawn attention away from the need for research to aid policymaking. The policy problem is to change society's norms that define the limits of legitimate force within families. Explaining the causes of violence has little direct relevance. Instead, research for use in policymaking should consider the nature and reasons for variations in norms regarding violence and the factors that constrain the uses of force within families. The existence of subcultural and community standards complicates efforts to revise norms. Thus, research on subcultural and family-organization variations in family functioning and norms should be a priority. 107 references.