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- Title
Is violence natural, unnatural, or rational?
- Authors
Felson, Richard B.
- Abstract
The author discusses the problem of human aggression as addressed in the book "Violence: A Micro-sociological Theory," by Randall Collins, a noted sociologist. It is argued that Collins relies too heavily on anecdotal information to support his sociological arguments concerning violence and presents theories that fail to include quantitative research on the topic. It is suggested that Collins does not include enough discussion on non-violent forms of aggression and ignores social psychological incentives for harming others. The idea that violent action usually requires "forward panic" is unclear and the argument that violence is caused by either the presence of a weak adversary or social support is considered too narrow.
- Subjects
VIOLENCE; VIOLENCE: A Micro-Sociological Theory (Book); COLLINS, Randall, 1941-; HUMAN behavior &; society; BATTERING (Abuse); AGGRESSION (Psychology)
- Publication
British Journal of Sociology, 2009, Vol 60, Issue 3, p577
- ISSN
0007-1315
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1468-4446.2009.01257.x