Download Aggression and Violence in Society

Aggression and Violence in Society
Review of Section 10.1
Our society is a complex one…
We interact with people of different:
• Races
• Ethnic backgrounds
• Social classes
• Genders
These interactions can result in
conflict!
When conflict leads to violence, there are
costs…
•
•
•
•
For the victim: emotional and physical scars
For the friends & family of the victim
For the family of the offender
For society as a whole
So how can social science help us to make sense of these
issues?
Anthropology
Anthropologists believe that aggression and violence are created by the culture in
which we live.
Case study:
the non-violent Tahitians
How does Canadian culture
“teach” people to be violent?
Sociology
Sociologists believe that aggression and violence are the result of the interaction
between individuals and certain factors in society
i.e. living conditions such as poverty
What other factors might contribute
to violence and aggression in Canadian
society?
Psychology
Psychologists believe that
aggression and violence are
rooted within the individual.
• Modelling Theory
• Frustration-Aggression
Theory
Now let’s look at one issue that is facing
Canadian society:
GUN CONTROL
Homicides in Canada
An Issue of Guns?
1996
All methods
Shooting
Stabbing
Beating
Strangulation
Fire (burns/suffocation)
Other methods
Not known
635
212
195
132
59
8
18
11
1997
homicides
586
558
193
151
168
186
115
125
53
61
30
12
22
17
5
6
1. Includes murder, manslaughter and infanticide.
Source: Statistics Canada, CANSIM II, table 253-0002.
Last modified: July 11, 2002.
1998
1999
538
165
143
125
55
11
31
8
2000
542
183
149
127
39
3
34
7
What groups might
be in conflict with one another regarding
this issue?
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•
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Gun advocates
Victims of crime
Hunters
Civil Rights advocates
Gun manufacturers
Police officers
Sociologists, Psychologists and
Anthropologists
Today’s Activity:
Gun Control Conference
1.
2.
3.
4.
In groups of 3-4, you will be assigned a
“group role” to play – i.e.
hunters
In your group, develop arguments either for or against increased gun
control (depending on your role). Prepare to defend your viewpoint. You
must also develop some questions to ask the other groups.
Locate your arguments in relation to sociological, anthropological and/or
psychological theories and concepts whenever possible. Refer to page 331
in your textbook.
You have 10 minutes to develop your arguments and questions.
Activity continued…
5.
Introductory arguments (5 minutes)
6. Question and Answer Period (30 minutes)
7. Closing statements (3 minutes)
8. Group vote on gun control policy (2 minutes)
Your homework:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Write a letter to your MP either defending or attacking increased gun
control.
Your letter must follow proper letter writing format – remember you are
writing to someone in a position of power. To be convincing you should
avoid insults and slang and you should have proper spelling and grammar.
Your letter must include a reference to sociological, psychological or
anthropological theory or research.
Your letter should be ½ a page to 1 page in length.
Look at the rubric BEFORE writing your letter and when finished attach the
rubric to your assignment.