VIOLENCE

Social Issue: Violence in America

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss this prevailing social issue in context of sociological aspects and on its prevention. The question arises that, can violence be prevented? Violence is of various types and the major categories are highlighted and discussed in the paper. Domestic violence is prevailing in this country which has made even homes unsafe. Other types like youth violence and racial violence have been affecting the society since decades, but there has been a noticeable decrease in youth violence. Another alarming type of violence which is on the rise is the violence against women. Many government policies and programs are putting in efforts to curb violence in America. A non-violent country is synonymous to a peaceful country; one that America needs to become.

Table of Contents

Abstracti

Introduction1

Discussion1

Domestic (Family) Violence1

Racial Violence2

Violence against Women2

Youth Violence3

Violence Due to Alcohol and Drugs3

Programs/Associations Preventing Violence in America4

Recommendations5

Sociological Research6

Conclusion6

Bibliography9

Appendices10

Social Issue: Violence in America

Introduction

Like the rest of the world, America has become a violence prone country where violent acts are taking place everywhere; be it homes, schools, universities, streets. The research question of this paper is “Does prevention of this social issue result in a peaceful society?” There are various types of violence that exist; domestic violence, cultural violence, violence against women, violence due to drugs and alcohol and more. Prevention of violence is vital for a healthy, peaceful society as well as the betterment of the citizens (Themba, 1993). The social issue is of great significance as it affects or can affect all the citizens of the society of America. The society has evolved greatly ever since its existence, and violence has been around from the beginning.

Discussion

Domestic (Family) Violence

Violence is not restricted to being outside the four walls of our homes anymore. The incidents of family violence are rapidly increasing and that too at an alarming rate. The criminal law and its administration have noticed that family violence is becoming the most prevalent forms of violence in America. Domestic violence has various forms; child abuse, elder abuse, sibling violence, spouse assault (Reiss and Roth, 1993). Citizens are not safe in their own homes; making the situation even worse. Amongst the various forms of domestic violence, the least alarming is sibling violence and the most frequently reported is child abuse. Elder abuse has recently been recognized as a phenomenon.

Previously, issues of domestic violence were family matters and not seen as criminal acts. However, law agents started probing the causes of family violence in the 1990s and began to identify the consequences. They also tried to develop interventions which would reduce the impact, frequency and severity of the crimes. “Fathers play an important role in child development…Fathers add protection and discipline to the family unit” (Flannery, 1997, pp. 129).

Racial Violence

America has become a culturally diverse country and continues to receive numerous immigrants every year. The actual source of American violence is the abrupt pace of social change. This social change deeply disturbs the less stable people in the ...