Understanding Violence

by Elizabeth Kandel Englander

In this third edition of Understanding Violence, author Elizabeth Kandel Englander draws on contemporary research and theory in varied fields to present a uniquely balanced, integrated, and readable summary of what we currently know about the causes and effects of violence, particularly its effect on children. The goal of this textbook is to give a critical review of the most relevant and important areas of research on street and family violence, examining why it is that people become violent.

Between 1994 and 2004 the United States benefited from a dramatic decline in rates of violent crime. However, as the economy has weakened in recent years and tougher times have returned, the crime rate has shown signs of a modest increase. Understanding Violence comes at this important juncture. The text is arranged into two sections, one of which focuses on broader issues, and another centering on specific types of abuse.

This new edition will be a powerful text for all those interested in violent offenders and their victims.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Rob Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great literature review, and bibliography of violence-related research. Focus was on following questions: (1) Are people born violent? (2) Do people learn to be violent? (3) Are violent people “mentally ill”? (4) Are violent people different from other people, apart from their aggressive behavior? In my opinion, I’m not sure the author was able to support her thesis: “Human beings can make a difference. We do not need to be violent.” As far as I could tell, I became convinced that - given the right mix of variables and/or circumstances - human beings can’t NOT be violent. 😐

[Braden Canfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great review of research. Full of statistics and evidence. Could be more accurately titled Understanding research on violence. Unfortunately the research goes only so far...so far.