Sociological explanations

Question 1

Name two different theories…

Answer 1

Sociol cultural perspective, feminist perspective

Question 2

2 theorists in social cultural perspective..

Answer 2

Goode (1971), Gelles + Cornell (1985)

Question 3

Goode (1971)

Answer 3

Examines the process whereby culturally approved violence takes hold. The family is seen as a power system mirroring that of wider society. Conformity and compliance of rules are seen as desirable and are ultimately enforced by the threat of violence (or use of it). Both parents and children are socialised into believing this type of rule enforcement is legitimate and ultimately beneficial.

Question 4

Gelles + Cornell (1985)

Answer 4

Argued an important factor is that the perpetrator is likely to get away with it, because it takes place in the confines of the house.

Question 5

Feminist critiques of other theories…

Answer 5

Other perspective considered to be gender blind. Psych- assume that women are main care givers and if something goes wrong must be their fault. Interationist- assume an equal power balance between men and women.

Question 6

What do feminist perspectives believe…

Answer 6

Violence is a major vehicle in men controlling women, child abuse reveals the extent in which men are prepared to wield sexual violence in asserting their authority. Men abuse children because of the inbalance between the sexes and the different forms of socialisation they receive.

Question 7

When does women violence mainly occur in FP?

Answer 7

Through stress, not like men who use violence to gain power.

Question 8

Strengths of social cultural perspective..

Answer 8

Highlights the societal influences even though aims to reduce it

Question 9

Weaknesses of social cultural perspective?

Answer 9

Does not explain why some people abuse but others do not.