Causes of Teen Violence

Essay # 100413

Child, Youth Issues > Teen, Adult Issues
Psychology > Child and Adolescent
Sociology > Media and Society
Sociology > Theory

This paper looks at the causes of teenage violence.

1,038 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the problem of teenage violence in society reflects the way certain influences shape the behavior of young people, notably peer pressure, media depictions, and the tensions of the teenage years. The writer points out that there is no one solution to the problem of teen violence, just as there isn't one type of teen violence, but an understanding of the variety of types of violence and of the influences on each can be a beginning to finding solutions. The writer concludes that the solutions to teenage violence that can be implemented now can be general, to reduce violence by getting young people to have more understanding of the consequences of their behavior, or specific, to reduce the possibility of one of the specific types of violence that are seen.

From the Paper:

"Sports is only one of the sources for violent images that may affect young people. Dietz notes the prevalence of violence in video games, and especially gender violence that may shape the behavior of young males toward females. The process of socialization for boys and gilds is different from the first, and each is encouraged to adopt certain traits characterized as masculine or feminine. These traits then affect the roles these individuals assume, as do images from television programs and advertisements. The popularity of video games gives the images in these games even greater power today, and Dietz notes how the lessons in many video games may contribute to a pervasive idea of male power over the female and so lead to gender violence."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bracey, G.W. (1995). Curing teen violence. Phi Delta Kappan, Volume 77, Issue 2, retrieved November 17, 2006 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000347658.
Dietz, T.L. (1998). An examination of violence and gender role portrayals in video games: Implications for gender socialization and aggressive behavior. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, Volume 38, Issue 5-6, retrieved November 17, 2006 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001342230.
Hammermeister, J. & Page, R.M. (1997). Weapon-carrying and youth violence. Adolescence, Volume 32, Issue 127, retrieved November 17, 2006 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000574216.
Mains, C. (1996). In light of the violence occurring in today's society, should contact sports such as football have a place in high school athletic programs?. JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, Volume 67, Issue 6, 20-21.
Myers, D. (2005). Social Psychology (8th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.