About the Book
This compelling text explores family violence throughout the life course, with special attention to the social character and institutional causes of family violence. From child abuse and neglect to intimate partner violence and elder abuse, Hattery and Smith ask students to consider how social inequality, especially gender inequality, contributes to tensions and explosive tendencies in family settings. Students learn about individual preventative measures and are also invited to question the justice of our current social structure, with implications for social policy and reorganization. Hattery and Smith pepper the text with evocative case studies from their own research and illuminating stories published in mainstream media. Unique coverage of same-sex couples and multicultural couples, as well as of theory and methods, make this text an essential element of any course considering the sociology of family violence.
Table of Contents:
CHAPTER 1 Social Dynamics of Family Violence: Setting the Stage CHAPTER 2 Historical Perspectives on Family Violence CHAPTER 3 Theories for Studying Family Violence CHAPTER 4 Methods for Studying Family Violence CHAPTER 5 Abuse Across the Life Course: Elder Abuse CHAPTER 6 Abuse Across the Life Course: Child Abuse CHAPTER 7 Outcomes of Child Abuse: Increased Risk for Experiencing Violence in Adulthood CHAPTER 8 The Economy and Intimate Partner Violence CHAPTER 9 Cultural Factors and Intimate Partner Violence CHAPTER 10 Religion and Family Violence CHAPTER 11 Violence in Same-Sex Couple Families CHAPTER 12 Prevention and Avoidance: The Early Warning Signs CHAPTER 13 The Response to Family Violence: The Criminal Justice System and the Social Welfare System CHAPTER 14 Where Do We Go from Here?
About the Author :
Angela J. Hattery is a sociologist and the associate director of Women and Gender Studies at George Mason University. Her books include Intimate Partner Violence, Prisoner Reentry and Social Capital, Interracial Intimacies, and Interracial Relationships in the 21st Century.
Earl Smith is professor of sociology and Rubin Distinguished Professor of American Ethnic Studies at Wake Forest University, where he is also the director of the American Ethnic Studies Program. His books include Sociology of Sport and Social Theory; Race, Sport and the American Dream; Prisoner Reentry and Social Capital; Interracial Intimacies; and Interracial Relationships in the 21st Century.
Review :
Praise for The Social Dynamics of Family Violence by Angela Hattery and Earl Smith "The Social Dynamics of Family Violence is a unique contribution to the family literature. The book provides a systematic examination of all forms of family violence (from intimate partner violence to child abuse to elder abuse to violence in gay and lesbian families) and does so in sociological fashion--social conditions and institutions (e.g., poverty, racism, and patriarchy), rather than individual-level factors, are highlighted as the driving forces. I highly recommend this book for adoption in undergraduate and graduate courses in sociology, social work, family studies, and in other related fields." -Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Duke University "Angie Hattery and Earl Smith have turned their decades of experience researching, teaching, and writing about violence in families into a comprehensive, accessible book. Their wise choices and thorough presentations of intersectional, life course, and institutional frameworks central to sociological approaches make this a text suitable for introductory courses in sociology, family studies, and gender/race/class analysis, and specialized courses in criminology, violence, and social policies. This book goes far beyond most available treatments of violence in families. This book finally convinces me that it's not only possible but worthwhile to use a textbook to teach smart, curious undergraduates about sociology, families, and violence between people who 'love' and depend on one another." -Lisa D. Brush, University of Pittsburgh "I appreciated how the book was well organized which enhanced my learning and understanding of such a difficult topic as a whole. The chosen topics in the book built my understanding and interests one issue after another. Hattery and Smith's wealth of knowledge and research was organized in a fairly conducive way that enhanced my knowledge of the different types of abuse (e.g., child abuse, elder abuse, intimate partner violence). They not only increased my knowledge but offered great hopes and wisdoms to tackle such an important issue that effects families from all backgrounds across the nation." -Nancy Xiong, Student "As a student who had no prior knowledge about family violence, I found the book highly accessible. Not only were concepts thoroughly explained, but the real life examples really put it into context for me. It was definitely one of the most relevant books I have read in a while!" -Joyous Tharrington, Student "The Social Dynamics of Family Violence is a disturbingly good book. The material is difficult to deal with, but the authors present the well-researched and unbiased facts in a way that makes it easy to understand and relate to. In reading the book, I learned how pervasive the issues of family violence are in American society and, consequently, how important this topic is. It helps to facilitate difficult discussions about what family violence is, some of the factors that cause the violence, and ways to end the violence. Most importantly, the book empowered me to feel like there was something that I could do about the issue and provided ways to get involved. Even though the topic was gut-wrenching, I looked forward to reading the book!" -Leslie Temple, Student
Angie Hattery and Earl Smith have turned their decades of experience researching, teaching, and writing about violence in families into a comprehensive, accessible book. Their wise choices and thorough presentations of intersectional, life course, and institutional frameworks central to sociological approaches make this a text suitable for introductory courses in sociology, family studies, and gender/race/class analysis, and specialized courses in criminology, violence, and social policies. This book goes far beyond most available treatments of violence in families. This book finally convinces me that it's not only possible but worthwhile to use a textbook to teach smart, curious undergraduates about sociology, families, and violence between people who love' and depend on one another.”
—Lisa D. Brush, University of Pittsburgh
I appreciated how the book was well organized which enhanced my learning and understanding of such a difficult topic as a whole. The chosen topics in the book built my understanding and interests one issue after another. Hattery and Smith's wealth of knowledge and research was organized in a fairly conducive way that enhanced my knowledge of the different types of abuse (e.g., child abuse, elder abuse, intimate partner violence). They not only increased my knowledge but offered great hopes and wisdoms to tackle such an important issue that effects families from all backgrounds across the nation.”
—Nancy Xiong, Student
As a student who had no prior knowledge about family violence, I found the book highly accessible. Not only were concepts thoroughly explained, but the real life examples really put it into context for me. It was definitely one of the most relevant books I have read in a while!”
—Joyous Tharrington, Student
Praise for The Social Dynamics of Family Violence by Angela Hattery and Earl Smith
The Social Dynamics of Family Violence is a unique contribution to the family literature. The book provides a systematic examination of all forms of family violence (from intimate partner violence to child abuse to elder abuse to violence in gay and lesbian families) and does so in sociological fashionsocial conditions and institutions (e.g., poverty, racism, and patriarchy), rather than individual-level factors, are highlighted as the driving forces. I highly recommend this book for adoption in undergraduate and graduate courses in sociology, social work, family studies, and in other related fields.”
—Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Duke University
