Citation

Witt DD. J. Fam. Violence 1987; 2(4): 291-301.

Affiliation

Department of Home Economics and Family Ecology, The University of Akron, 44325 Akron, Ohio, USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/BF00993296

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper makes a theoretical accounting of family violence in terms of the antagonistic elements in our culture and society that serve to irritate family relationships. Using conflict theory as the interpretive tool, the existence of family violence is explained as a direct effect of the economic values of the culture. To further strengthen this theoretical position, portions of other theories are included, such as some of the Feminist arguments dealing with the historical development of patriarchy and a symbolic interaction perspective on the process of socialization for the use of violence in stressful situations.