Macrotheory, feminist, and psychological explanations for family violence

¶ … Family Violence

The objective of this work is to examine the theories associated with family violence and to examine the questions that remain unanswered in this area of study.

There are many theories which are utilized in an attempt to explain family violence and to this end, researchers have examined many cultural and social conditions that contribute to family violence.

MACROTHEORY

The work of Barnett, Miller and Perrin (2005) states that macrotheory is used in making identification of "the broad cultural and structural factors that make families prone to violence." Barnett, Miller and Perrin additionally state that the macro-level explanations "incorporate cultural factors, socio-structural variables, structural characteristics of the family, and issues of deterrence." (2005)

FEMINIST THEORIES

Barnett, Miller and Perrin relate that feminist theories relating to family violence is inclusive of four principle perspectives: (1) the relationship between gender and power and its utility in accounting for IPV; (2) the historical importance of the family as a social institution; (3) the importance of understanding and validating women's experiences; and (4) the use of family violence research findings to help women." (2005)

III. PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

Psychopathology or mental disorders in the perpetrators of family violence, their victims, or even both have been a "recurrent explanation for family violence." (Barnett, Miller and Perrin, 2005) it is posited among theorists that "individuals who mistreat children, dating partners, spouses, elders or other family members are serious disturbed. Their psychopathology may distort their view of the world or serve as a disinhibitor of prohibited behavior." (Barnett, Miller and Perrin, 2005)

IV. INTERPERSONAL INTERACTION THEORIES

It is suggested by some researchers and clinicians that family violence:."..is a product of interactions between individuals in specific relationships." (Barnett, Miller and Perrin, 2005) From this view, neither the perpetrator of the violence or the victim is separated because it is their manner of interacting between one another that results in violence.

V. MICRO-THEORIES of FAMILY VIOLENCE

Within the micro-theories of family violence are the following with accompanying descriptions:

1) Social exchange theory - This theory examines the interactions of the victim and perpetrator from a "cost-benefit point-of-view, assuming that humans enter and maintain relationships only when they judge that the benefits outweigh the costs." (Barnett, Miller and Perrin, 2005) However, when one of the partners perceives that an inequity exists in the relationship and wishes to terminate the relationship but is not able to do so, that individuals "experiences frustration and may become aggressive." (Barnett, Miller and Perrin, 2005)

2) Symbolic Intereactionism -This theory places emphasis on the symbolic communication that takes place between individuals. "Through this lens, the key to understanding family violence can be found in the meanings that family members attach to various interactions." (Barnett, 3) Routine Activities Theory - This theory is used for providing an explanation to stalking patterns.

SUMMARY and CONCLUSION

While many theories exist to attempt to explain family violence, the fact is that researchers in reality remain confounded in their attempt to "posit an inclusive model." (Barnett, Miller and Perrin, 2005) While psychopathological theory attempts to provide an explanation for family violence based on the assumption of the presence of mental illness in those who perpetrate the violence, psychobiological theorists hold that physiological abnormalities are at the heart of family violence. Interpersonal interaction theories hold that both the victim and perpetrators and their interactions serve to promote family violence. Because no one explanation is sufficient in explaining family violence, multidimensional theory development is critically necessary to this end.