NCJ Number
70906
Editor(s)
M R Green
Date Published
1980
Length
150 pages
Annotation
A sociological perspective on the causes of family violence, the effect of television viewing on aggressive behavior in preschool children, ethnopsychiatric dimensions in family violence, and functions of the police in family violence are discussed in these research papers.
Abstract
Data on various types of family violence are reported and interpreted. The factors responsible for most of the family violence are suggested to stem from the use of 'morally right' physical punishment as a method of discipline affirmed persistently by social norms and rules. The research on the relationship between television viewing and aggression in preschoolers did not yield a clear indication of what produces aggression in preschoolers. It was found, however, that opportunities for the children to watch the more action-oriented shows were continually linked to the likelihood that the child will show aggressive behavior at home (according to parents' reports) and in the nursery school. Ethnic and subcultural factors are examined, and new material is presented about cultures that do not permit violence. The role of police training in preventing the escalation of reported domestic violence is considered; a police chief describes the successful application of some techniques for police intervention in family disputes. Tabular data, notes, and references are included for each paper. A subject index is provided.