peace psychology in terms of violence L2.pptx

wao

1. Theories of Violence and Peace

2. Researchers next theorized that violence was learned. They argued that men battered because they had learned violence in their families as children, and women sought out abusive men because they saw their mothers being abused. This was the “ learned behavior” theory of violence. Yet women who witness domestic violence are not any more likely to be battered as adults

3. Although research does show that boys who witness abuse in the home are seven times more likely to batter, many men who witnessed violence as children vow not to use violence and do not grow up to be batterers. A more consistent explanation for the relationship between witnessing and battering is that witnessing is one of many sources of information; men also receive information from the larger society that it is appropriate to control your wife and to enforce this control through violence. Further, as emphasized in  batterers treatment programs , boys who witnessed domestic violence and grew up to be batterers learned more than just violence; rather, they learned—and thus can unlearn—lessons about the respective roles of men and women that contribute to their abusive behavior as adult.

4. Closely related to the “ learned behavior” theory were the theories that described violence as the result of a loss of control. For example, many believed that men are abusive when they drink because the  alcohol  causes them to lose control. Others explained men’s violence as a result of an inability to control their anger and frustration. These theorists argued that gendered societal expectations prevented men from expressing anger and frustration; these feelings would build up until the man lost control and released his feelings through the use of violence. This “loss of control” theory is contradicted by abuser’s behavior.

5. Another theory that was advanced was the “ learned helplessness ” theory. Lenore Walker, a psychologist in the United States, studied the behavior of women who stay in violent relationships. Walker hypothesized that women stay in abusive relationships because constant abuse strips them of the will to leave. The learned helplessness theory, however, did not account for the fact that there are many social, economic and cultural reasons a woman might chose to stay in an abusive relationship. Women often have very rational reasons for staying—they may fear retaliation against themselves or their children, or they may not be able to financially support themselves or their children. They may be ostracized by their family and community if they leave.

6. Further, the learned helplessness theory is inconsistent with the fact that women surviving in abusive relationships attempt to leave many times and routinely act in very conscious ways to try to minimize the abuse directed at them and to protect their children. Finally, the static model of “learned helplessness” is contradicted by the fact that the violence, and the woman’s reaction to the violence, often changes over time.

7. He believed that most aggression is automated (i.e., both reactive and mechanical) and, therefore, difficult to deconstruct into its various motivations and circumstances, which is why he developed a model in which a single episode of violence could be analyzed. In terms of the ‘‘algebra,’’ he considered it an internal process in which there is a reactive and unconscious calculation of a cost-benefit analysis. Decisions made on the basis of this analysis and the associated response allow for maximum benefit and minimal dissatisfaction)

8. Megargee’s A lgebra of aggression: The 'algebra of aggression' is  a comprehensive theoretical framework that enables practitioners to understand, evaluate and treat the complex determinants of aggressive behaviour . He identifies four broad factors that combine to form the strength of the response: (1) instigation to aggression, (2) habit strength, (3) inhibitions to aggression, and (4) stimulus factors. When the sum of motivating factors exceeds the sum of inhibitory factors, the act becomes possible and introduces the fifth and final element in the algebra of aggression: competition, in which the decision is made regarding the costs and benefits of responding with violence (Megargee, 1982)

9. Instigation to aggression: Megargee separates the construct into two types: ‘‘intrinsic’’ or angry aggression, in which harm to the victim is an end in itself, and ‘‘extrinsic’’ or instrumental motivation that satisfies a particular need or goal. Habit strength: where aggressive or violent habits are acquired through direct experience with reinforcement of aggressive behavior and imitative learning through observation of aggression. Bandura’s social learning theory.

10. Theories of Peace: There are several theories of peace, each providing a different perspective on the causes of conflict and violence and strategies for promoting peace. These theories include: realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, feminism, peace psychology, and critical theory. Each theory has its unique approach, some emphasizing the importance of power and force, others highlighting the role of values, norms, and beliefs, and others focusing on social and political justice

11.   KEY ASSUMPTIONS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEACE THEORY That democracies are inherently peaceful unless unjustly attacked(or threatened) by authoritarian non-democratic states. That the use of force by democracies are justified because they are directed against the real threats launched by rogue states/actors intending on undermining the democratic way of life. Democracies by def cannot go to war against each other and the best way to promote global stability and peace is to ensure the spread of democracy.

12. HOW SUSTAINABLE IS THE DPT Current global situation indicates DPT’s applicability is limited to the western region (western ethnocentrism as Western institutions seek to promote, enforce and export democracy) - cultural bias. Is it peace which brings democracy or democracy which brings peace? The DPT actually exposes the wishful thinking and utopianism of Western Scholarship e.g. WW2, Cold War occurred despite claims to democratic practices. On the contrary the very idea of globalizing/exporting democracy i.e. democratization by force is the root of most global conflicts e.g. invasion of Iraq & Afghanistan (Bush’s war cry; “either you are with us or against us”).

13. Democracies are evidently more aggressive towards undemocratic states/regimes. Challenge that force is used to promote democracy in any context outside the Western territories shows that the theory serves the purpose of neo-colonialism and imperialistic ambitions. In the West, democracy is peacefully entrenched, yet for other regions, its democratizing by force.

14. Any questions?