Darker Side of Family Life

Question 1

Domestic Violence

Not Seeking Help

Answer 1

Estimated 2/3 of victims don’t seek help, fear it will worsen, shame, or see it as private

Question 1

Domestic Violence

How Many?

Answer 1

One in four women and one in six men will suffer some form of domestic violence - 89% committed by men against women

Question 2

Domestic Violence

Reports to Police

Answer 2

Quarter reported, 1 in 20 convictions
Previously not taken seriously by courts or police

Question 3

Rape in Marriage

How Many

Answer 3

Over 1 in 4 women raped, most men against female partners

Question 4

Rape in Marriage

Reported

Answer 4

Gov estimate 95% never reported
Only 6% reported lead to convictions

Question 5

Rape in Marriage

Where/How

Answer 5

Crime Survey for England and Wales - 3/4 in home of victims or offender
Nearly half accompanied by actual or threatened violence

Question 6

Feminist Explanations

Radical Feminists

Answer 6

Domestic violence is means for men to exercise patriarchal power + control and intimidate women
Keeps women in state of submission

Question 7

Feminist Explanations

Marxist

Answer 7

Emphasise structural factors - social deprivation (overcrowded homes + less income generate disputes), culture of violence, lower status of women

Question 8

Feminist Explanations

Dobash and Dobash

Answer 8

Violence against women in the family is a means by which women’s subordinate role and unequal power are enforced
Why it is tolerate by political + cultural institutions

Question 9

Feminist Explanations

Ganley and Schecter

Answer 9

Male violence inc. sexual violence a result of women’s inequality in society - violence used to enforce + maintain and exert power through control over actions, thoughts, feelings - men showing control

Question 10

Sociologists

Faith Robertson Elliot

Answer 10

Rejects radical feminist claim that all men benefit from violence - not all men are aggressive, most opposed to domestic violence
They fail to explain female violence, inc. child abuse and violence against partners

Question 11

Sociologists

Mirrlees-Black

Answer 11

Social groups at greater risk:
Children + young people, lower social classes, living in rented accom, low income, high levels of alcohol
British Crime Survey - 39% cases offender under influence of alcohol

Question 12

Sociologists

Richard Wilkinson

Answer 12

Domestic violence the result of stress on family members caused by inequality - fewer resources, so higher levels of stress, reduced chance of stable, caring relationship