基本説明
Why do people engage in various forms of violence?
Full Description
* How widespread is violence?
* Why do people engage in various forms of violence?
* What can be done to reduce the level of violence?
Understanding Violent Crime provides a concise yet thorough and extensive account of the main explanations of violent behaviour. It draws upon sociological and psychological perspectives on violence as part of a coherent approach to the study of a phenomenon that raises wide public concern. There is also a focus on the ways in which violence is considered by the criminal justice system. Definitions of the main violent offences, including violent sexual offences, are discussed and some indication of the levels of sentencing in particular cases is provided. The final chapter then considers ways in which offenders are able to confront their violent behaviour within the criminal justice system. Frequent references to the definitions and treatment of violence in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA give the book a distinctive comparative perspective. The result is a wide-ranging and essential undergraduate text and a key reference for researchers in the field.
Contents
Series editor's foreword
Preface
Section one: The phenomenon of violence
Definitions of violence
The extent of violence
Section two: Explanations of violence
Biological influences, mental disorder, drugs and alcohol
Theories of socialization
Group violence
Gender and violence
Sociological theories: poverty, strain and power
Section three: The aftermath of violence
The consequences of violent crime
The punishment of violence
The treatment of violent offenders
Conclusion
Appendix
References
Index.
