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Violence and Gender Reexamined
Richard B. Felson
American Psychological Association, Washington, DC
Violence and Gender Reexamined challenges one of western culture’s most deeply held assumptions: That violence against women is different from violence against men. In this elegantly argued and well-researched book, author Richard Felson argues that this type of violence is rarely the result of sexism or hatred against women. The author cites research suggesting that the motives for violence against women are similar to the motives for violence against men: To gain control or retribution and to promote or defend self-image. These motives play a role in almost all violence, regardless of gender. Using a comparative method to determine how violence against women differs from violence against men, he illustrates not only that violence against women is less frequent than violence against men but also that our culture and legal system treat it more harshly. Contrary to the claims that our courts “blame the victim” in cases of violence against women, the author shows that the tradition of protection of women sometimes produces the opposite effect, and that it is due process and not sexism that makes, for instance, rape cases seem biased against women. This powerful book encourages all readers, be they psychologists, lawyers, social scientists, or concerned lay people, to question preconceptions about gender and violence.
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About the Author
Richard B. Felson, PhD, is professor of Crime, Law, and Justice and of Sociology at Pennsylvania State University. He obtained his PhD in sociology at Indiana University in 1977, specializing in social psychology. In the last decade, Dr. Felson moved into the field of criminology, concentrating his research on the study of interpersonal violence. He has written extensively in this area, on such topics as situational factors in homicide and motives for rape and domestic violence. His articles have appeared in a variety of journals including Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Social Forces, Social Psychology Quarterly, and Criminology (where he serves on the editorial board). He is a coauthor or coeditor of three other books published by the American Psychological Association: Violence, Aggression and Coercive Actions (1994, with James T. Tedeschi); Aggression and Violence: Social Interactionist Perspectives (1993, edited with James T. Tedeschi); and Psychological Perspectives on Self and Identity (2000, edited with Abraham Tesser and Jerry M. Suls).
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Richard Felson’s book, Violence and Gender Reexamined, is a breath of fresh air in a body of literature redolent with ideological pleadings and heavy-handed sectarian platitudes. The book advances unfashionable but powerful arguments in lively and uncluttered fashion, which makes the reading experience both thought-provoking and enjoyable.
-Hans Toch, PhD, Distinguished Professor, University at Albany of the State University of New York
This is an important, fascinating book by a brilliant and courageous thinker. Dr. Felson uses a wealth of facts and findings in a careful, disciplined manner to show that many “politically correct” views are utterly wrong. Everyone who is interested in the truth about gender and violence should read this book. It is unfortunate that many people will be too prejudiced or close-minded to learn from it.
-Roy F. Baumeister, Professor of Psychology, holds the Elsie B. Smith Chair in the Liberal Arts at Case Western Reserve University
In Violence and Gender Reexamined, Richard Felson documents that there are special characteristics of male violence against women. But his main proposition is that violence against women should be understood as violence, not sexism. Indeed, he argues that hatred toward women (misogyny) plays a small role in violence toward women and that traditional (sexist) attitudes toward women inhibit violence against women. Among many controversial findings, he concludes that gender differences in sexuality suggest that rape usually has a component of sexual motivation. To support this and other conclusions, Felson employs a wide range of empirical evidence and analyses from a variety of disciplines.
This book will be a significant contribution for criminologists and other social scientists who study violence against women. Without doubt, it will stimulate additional empirical research as well as considerable professional and public debate and discussion.
-Kenneth C. Land, PhD, John Franklin Crowell Professor of Sociology, Duke University, Durham, NC
Richard Felson's assessment of the relationship between gender and violence is thoughtful, articulate, and without a doubt, highly controversial. Critics will find his analyses challenging and not easy to dismiss. Indeed, all who are concerned with this important issue will now have to justify their assertions with greater evidence, logic, and clarity. Violence and Gender Reexamined should raise the level of debate about women's violence, and it is essential reading for violence researchers, policy-makers, and women's and victims' advocates.
Janet Lauritsen, PhD
Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Missouri-St. Louis
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by Anonymous User on Tuesday March 04, @09:56PM EST (#2)
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“Critics will find his analyses challenging and not easy to dismiss. Indeed, all who are concerned with this important issue will now have to justify their assertions with greater evidence, logic, and clarity.”
I liked the critique above. I too am form Missouri and sometimes I get away from L.A. and go back there just to collect my thoughts and relax. I find that people there (regardless of other short comings) have a lot of common sense. Yes Dr. Lauritsen, the d.v. industry will now have to work harder to justify their assertions with greater evidence, logic, and clarity. With more books like this one I may someday in the future have to stop driving around the city streets of Los Angeles with these signs: FEMINIST LIES MAKE BAD LAWS, FEMINIST TRAINED COPS AND JUDGES BATTER MEN, STOP DENYING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BATTERS MEN.
Thank you very much Dr. Felson. I have always felt that the d.v. industry didn't have the facts to "SHOW ME" that what they were saying was more than just feminist political propoganda.
You don't know (or maybe you do) how badly this kind of book has been needed to counter the misinformation put out there by the d.v. industry. You are to be commended for your effort. Please keep up the good work.
Sincerely, Ray
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