Violence in America : Coping with Drugs, Distressed Families, Inadequate Schooling, and Acts of Hate

"An impressive array of sociological studies and crime statistics to support the contention that violence has become a major public-health problem 'of epidemic proportion.'" Publishers Weekly "Students researching violence and community groups trying to devise tactics to reduce neighborhood mayhem will value the accessible but relatively nuanced analysis licensed clinical psychologist Flannery supplies. Flannery, a Boston-area professor, counselor, and trainer who has written previous books on stress, workplace violence, and post-traumatic stress disorder, examines four types of factors (cultural, biological, sociological, psychological) viewed as causes of violence, supplying...thumbnail sketches of key contributors to, for example, the nature-or-nurture debate or research on brain chemicals or poverty and discrimination's effects. "The emergence of the postindustrial state," Flannery suggests, is critical in contemporary violence statistics through both its cultural and its sociological impact; he recommends a range of actions by business, government, family, school, and religious institutions to strengthen communities around the country to provide the support individuals need to cope with the current period of rapid social change. Though more serious students will want to go directly to Flannery's sources, those seeking a practical overview will be grateful for his efforts." Booklist