...Examine the patterns of, and reasons for, domestic violence in society. Domestic violence can come in different forms: physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence. These take place within the family or intimate relationships. Common views on domestic violence view this as behaviour from disturbed or ‘sick’ individuals, caused by psychological problems. However, this is challenged by sociologists. The issue is far too widespread to only have an effect on a few ‘psycho’ people. Statistics show that 1/6 of all violent crimes are domestic violence. This is a crime which is underestimated by many; official statistics cannot prove how much it occurs because of victims unwilling to report these crimes out of fear or thought not to be a problem the authority can solve. If victims are willing to report these crimes, police and prosecutors may be reluctant to record them. This may be because agencies are not prepared to involve themselves in domestic cases as the family is a private sphere, and the government is very male dominated therefore cases that may affect the males reputation might not be recorded to ruin it. It is more likely for women to be the victim, men wanting to be dominant within the household, in control, to have a sense of power and authority. 1 out of 4 women have been assaulted by their partner once where as 1 out of 8 has been continuously. Dobash suggests violence is set off by the male partner being challenged, that their sense of power is at risk....
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...Essay Question Examine the patterns of, and reasons for, domestic violence in society (24 marks) Domestic violence is the physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence that takes place within a relationship that creates a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. In society, domestic violence is seen as wrong, yet it still happens. Some people believe that a minority of people behave in this manner because of psychological causes rather than social ones, however a number of sociologists have challenged this view. Domestic violence follows a social pattern and it is mainly violence by men towards women. Although this doesnât mean that it is only women that are the victims of domestic violence, men can also be equally affected by such behaviour. Middle Radical feminists see the findings of sociologists like Dobash and Dobash as clear evidence of our patriarchal society, they see that patriarchy has divided society and that men are the enemy. Radical feminists see that men oppress women and exploit them unfairly within society. They also link domestic violence to marriage and the conjugal roles of husband and wife, and that this unit is the main source of the oppression of women. Radical feminists see the domestic violence is inevitable as long as we live in a patriarchal society as it preserves the power that men hold over women. This is their explanation as to why institutions involving the police and courts are reluctant to deal with domestic violence is because...
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...A definition of domestic violence, according to the Women’s Aid Federation (2008) is 'physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. It may involve partners, ex-partners, household members or other relations’. A common view of domestic violence is that it is the behaviour of a few disturbed or ‘sick’ individuals, and that the causes are psychological rather than social. A startling pattern within domestic violence is that more often than not it is the woman who is abused. Kathryn Coleman (2007) found that women were more likely than men to have experienced 'intimate violence' across all four types of abuse - partner abuse, family abuse, sexual assault and stalking. Mirrlees-Black found that nearly one in four women have been assaulted by a partner at some time in her life, and one in eight repeatedly so. Whereas only one in seven men have been assaulted and one in twenty repeatedly so. This is confirmed by Russel and Rebecca Dobash (1979), where it was found that violent incidents could be set off by what a husband saw as a challenge to his authority. They also argue that marriage legitimates violence against women by conferring power and authority on husbands and dependency on wives. Official statistics on domestic violence are often an understatement of the true extent of the problem. Stephanie Yearnshire (1997) found that on average...
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...Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behaviour in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or retain authority and control over another partner. Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, economic, psychological or sexual actions or threats of actions that impact another person. Domestic violence is commonly inflicted on women though men too suffer domestic violence. Most Sociologists would attribute domestic violence towards social causes rather than psychological. The police play a key part in dealing with domestic violence however, they’re frequently subjected to criticism due to the method used when countering to the issue. Several feel the police don't take domestic violence calls as serious because police involvement would be improper in which some may consider being a family issue. Nevertheless, others claim that since the police are vital members in society and are the initial point of communication when violence ensues, they should see it as urgency and reply in an appropriate way to instances of domestic violence. Official reports show that one in four women will experience domestic violence, and one in eight repeatedly experience the crime. Russell and Rebecca Dobash established these instances can be started by what the husband saw as a contest to their power such as a wife complaining at the husband for neglecting her. The Dobash’s feel that marriage justifies violence against women talk command and power on husbands and reliance...
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...Ruby-May Birch Homework Examine the patterns of and reasons for domestic violence in society (24 Marks) A definition of domestic violence is given by the Women’s Aid Federation in 2008 is 'physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. It may involve partners, ex-partners, household members or other relatives.’ Sociologists challenge the view that domestic violence is limited to the behaviour of a few disturbed individuals, they argue that there are sociological explanations for domestic violence, domestic violence is far too widespread to be simply the work of these people. According to the British crime survey domestic violence accounts for almost a sixth of all violent crime also domestic violence doesn’t occur at random but follows particular social patterns and in turn has social causes. There are four types of abuse outlined: partner abuse, family abuse, sexual assault and stalking. A shocking pattern in domestic violence is that it is more commonly women than men that experience ‘intimate violence’ across all four types; this was found by Kathryn Coleman et al in 2007. Catriona Mirrlees-Black found similar outcomes when carrying out a survey of 16,000 people in 1999. She found that 99% of all attacks against women were by men...
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...Possible sociology questions January 2012 Item 2A Sociologists analyse the domestic division of labour in many different ways. Parsons describes the division of labour in the traditional nuclear family in terms of an expressive role and an instrumental role. However, this traditional arrangement may have changed as families have changed, and many feminists use the term ‘dual burden’ to describe the woman’s role in the family today. Item 2B Government policies and laws include tax and benefit policies as well as legislation such as relating to divorce and marriage. Sociologists have different views on the impact of these policies and laws on families. For example, feminists argue that social policies assume that the ideal family is a patriarchal nuclear family, and that government policies and laws therefore favour this sort of family. On the other hand, the New Right argue that the benefit system undermines traditional nuclear families by actively encouraging lone parents. 0 6 Explain what is meant by the ‘dual burden’ (Item 2A). (2 marks) 0 7 Explain the difference between the expressive role and the instrumental role (Item 2A). (4 marks) 0 8 Suggest three ways in which the differences between children and adults are becoming less clear in society today. (6 marks) 0 9 Examine the reasons for, and the effects of, changes in family size over the past 100 years or so. (24 marks) 1 0 Using material from Item 2B and elsewhere, assess sociological views of the impact...
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...Examine the patterns and reasons for domestic violence in society. Domestic Violence can be physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse. It involves controlling behaviour from partners, ex-partners, household members & other relatives. Statistics show that domestic violence is mainly against women and 1 in 4 women are assaulted. Domestic violence accounts for 1 in 6 of all violent crimes. Domestic violence tents to run in a generational cycle of abuse and/or a history of abuse in families. Children who grow up in an environment where control is maintained through verbal threats, intimidation and conflicts can escalate into physical violence. Children who have grown up in this environment are more likely to resort to the same methods of abuse as adults. There are a number of factors that may lead to domestic violence in society. In an environment where violence is either taught, by example, or accepted as “normal” will cause an impact on any child who lives in that environment. For example, if a young boy frequently sees his father come home for work in a bad mood, and watches his father hit his mother, the young boy will begin to see this as ‘normal’ and as the ‘manly’ thing to do. Millet who is a Radical Feminist says that, all societies are founded on patriarchy and that men are the enemy. She says that the marriage is a patriarchal institution due to the norms of marriage- In the vows a woman says she will 'honour and obey' her husband. Millet states that domestic...
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...found that domestic violence against women is still a universal problem. This paper will explore the phenomenon gender-based violence in Hong Kong as compared to the global situation. An extensive literature review was conducted to explore the existing theories and risk factors associated with domestic violence. A qualitative study of women victims was then undertaken to gain further insight on the current gender-based violence situation in Hong Kong. In the discussion, the limitations of the study were examined and the results were compared of with literature findings. A STUDY ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN HONG KONG INTRODUCTION Worldwide Phenomenon of Gender-based Violence Domestic Violence has endangered the lives and well-being of millions of women worldwide. This is no longer a private matter between individual family members but should be recognized “as an obstacle to equality, and as an intolerable offence to human dignity”. (United Nations, 1996). In a statement to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in September 1995, the United Nations Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, said that violence against women is a universal problem that must be universally condemned. Studies in 10 countries have found that between 17 per cent and 38 per cent of women have suffered physical assaults by a partner (United Nations, 1995). The United Nation (1995) defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results...
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...plans for as they are still relevant. However there are a few key differences: * The question you will answer will be worth 20 marks not 24 marks. * You will have 30 minutes to write a 20 mark answer. * The essays will consist 4 paragraphs and a conclusion containing new information. How to use this document: * Use the extract from the mark scheme and examiners’ advice to create essay plans of the questions. * You may not have heard of all of the concepts in the mark scheme but there should be at least some that are familiar to you. * The examiner’s advice usually outlines bad, moderate and good answers to the question so pick out the ways in which you can achieve top band and incorporate this into your plan. June 2015 Examine the impact of government policies and laws on family life. [24 marks] From the mark scheme: Concepts and issues such as the following may appear: patriarchy; familism; surveillance; ideological control; gender regimes; marital breakdown; family structure; family diversity; welfare dependency; underclass; reserve army of labour Policies/laws on abortion; divorce; contraception; reproductive technology; marriage; adoption; pensions; benefits; taxes; education; childcare; child protection; sexuality; immigration may be discussed Analysis and evaluation may be developed, for instance by comparing the impact of different policies/laws or by discussing perspectives on social policy and the family (eg New Right, feminist, functionalist etc) From...
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...Introduction The issue of domestic violence has been examined continual both nationally and internationally, and has generated substantial amounts of literature and observed work on the subject. In 1980, women in the United States joined with women globally to illuminate domestic violence as a concern that needed international attention (Alhabib, Nar, & Jones, 2009). Adding credibility to the cries of women internationally, the United Nation “International Bill of Human Rights” in 1979, and the convention of the elimination all forms of discrimination against women in 1985, was enacted to prevent the unequal treatment of women (Weingourt, Maruyama, Sawada, & Yoshino, 2001). Intimate Partner Violence threatens the lives of women socioeconomic well-being, security, and the lives of millions of women globally each year (McAllister, & Roberts-Lewis, 2010). Women of every class, color, socioeconomic status, and religious association experience the affects of intimate partner violence is frequent, complex, and far-reaching with social and economic consequences (Ringel, & Park, 2008). Interpersonal violence has become a human rights and socioeconomic problem (Hageman & White, 2001). The cost and consequence of which are revealed in the expenditures of global governments. The socioeconomic cost of domestic violence as shown is shocking: “Australia $700 million; Canada $1.2 billion; Chile $1.73 billion; Nicaragua 32.7 million; Jamaica $454,000 or...
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...The History of Domestic Violence Antoinette Perkins SOC 490 Dr. Stephen Ulrich November 11, 2012 Although, there are many social science problem or topics issues that take place on a regular basis throughout the world in our everyday society, I have chosen to discuss factors impacting domestic violence where women are mainly the victims. Even though there are many social problems in the world that we deal with, domestic violence should be taken more seriously especially with the consequences that could follow it. Although there are many different types of domestic violence that women suffer from, women should always take certain precautions and necessary action for a healthy and safe environment for themselves. With protecting themselves by receiving the proper help and it will help them to love themselves, feel safe, and help them to make better choices concerning their lives. There are a number of incidents that takes place each year on a daily basis referring to domestic violence including; women who are in college, different ethnics, different sizes, and so much more, which really means there is no particular woman that is chosen to become a victim. With domestic violence it is never a good situation for anyone to be in because of the outcome can be very serious and deadly for the victim. Even though there are many social problems in the world that we deal with, domestic violence should be taken more seriously especially...
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...assess sociological explanations of gender difference in patterns of crime. In this essay, I am going to assess the patterns of crime committed by males and females. Many general theories tend to neglect gender as a factor influencing criminality. There is a common assumption that males often commit more crime than women. The study of criminology have tended to be dominated by males, therefore the studies are done by men about men. The official statistics suggest that gender is perhaps the most significant single factor in whether an individual is convicted of crime. The official statistics often comply with the common assumption that men commit more crimes then women. According to official statistics, in 2005, 1.8 million offenders were guilty in which 79% were male and 7% of these were aged fewer than 18. The ratio of male offenders to female offenders is four to one. The highest rates of offending for the most serious crimes were 17 year olds for males and 15 year olds for females. Pollak (1950) argued that official statistics on gender and crime were highly misleading. He claimed that statistics underestimated the extent of female criminality. Pollack claimed to have identified crimes that are usually committed by women but which are likely to go unreported. According to him, nearly all offences of shoplifting and all criminal abortion were carried out by women. Many unreported crimes are committed by female domestic servants. Pollack accepted official definitions of crime...
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...Domestic Violence Melody Church Texas A&M University Central TX TABLE OF CONTENTS Title page Table of Contents Abstract Section One Introduction Definitions Section Two History of Domestic Violence Section Three Forms of Domestic Violence Purpose of Domestic Violence Section Four Theories of Domestic Violence Section Five Biopsychosocial Model Section Six Effects of Domestic Violence Conclusion Reference Page Abstract The following paper examines the social and legal problem of domestic violence. Included are different definitions and the history of domestic violence. Also discussed are the forms and purpose of domestic violence. There are different theories that have emerged from research on domestic violence that are discussed as well. Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a devastating social problem that spans across every segment of the population, and is a major problem that has gone completely out of control. Domestic violence affects all social and economic classes, and victims include women, men, children, disabled persons, gays, or lesbians. When most people think about domestic violence, they usually associate the term with husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend. Domestic violence can happen between other family members as well (Lien, Office on Child Abuse, and Neglect, & Children’s Bureau, 2003). The concentration of this paper will be on women of family/domestic violence. Definitions According to the...
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...on the functions of the unit e.g. support. The Cereal Packet Family A popular image of the family in Britain in the late twentieth century has been described as the cereal packet family. The ‘happy family’ image gives the impression that most people live in a typical family and these images reinforce the dominant ideology of the traditional nuclear family. Functionalists Roles of the Family – Parsons The Functionalist Talcott Parsons sees two main functions that the family performs these are: • The primary socialisation of children Parson argues that every individual must internalise the norms and values of society. He said it is the family that moulds the child’s personality to fit the needs of society, producing children who are committed to shared norms and values and who have a strong sense of belonging to society • The stabilisation of adult personalities Adults need emotional security, which is given by partners in a marriage, and they also need a source of release from the stresses and strains of daily life, which they get from being able to indulge in childish behaviour when playing with their children. This ‘stabilisation’ is often referred to as the ‘warm bath theory’. Other functions of the family; • The family is an important agent of social control. It defines what is socially acceptable behaviour. The family also allow...
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...on the functions of the unit e.g. support. The Cereal Packet Family A popular image of the family in Britain in the late twentieth century has been described as the cereal packet family. The ‘happy family’ image gives the impression that most people live in a typical family and these images reinforce the dominant ideology of the traditional nuclear family. Functionalists Roles of the Family – Parsons The Functionalist Talcott Parsons sees two main functions that the family performs these are: • The primary socialisation of children Parson argues that every individual must internalise the norms and values of society. He said it is the family that moulds the child’s personality to fit the needs of society, producing children who are committed to shared norms and values and who have a strong sense of belonging to society • The stabilisation of adult personalities Adults need emotional security, which is given by partners in a marriage, and they also need a source of release from the stresses and strains of daily life, which they get from being able to indulge in childish behaviour when playing with their children. This ‘stabilisation’ is often referred to as the ‘warm bath theory’. Other functions of the family; • The family is an important agent of social control. It defines what is socially acceptable behaviour. The family also allow...
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