The Very Short Introductions Podcast Violence – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 47
May 5, 2022
Join Philip Dwyer, a historian and expert in violence, as he unpacks the complex nature of violence in society today. Dwyer explores how ordinary people commit atrocities and the role of culture versus biology in understanding this phenomenon. He delves into the historical evolution of violence, the impact of honour cultures on male violence, and the realities of family abuse. With insights into state-sponsored violence and contemporary social movements like Black Lives Matter, Dwyer provokes thought on whether we are truly becoming less violent.
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Research Sparked By Napoleon Massacres
- Philip Dwyer discovered massacres while researching Napoleon's campaigns and dug into how they occurred.
- He searched for explanations of how ordinary people commit atrocity and mutilation in specific contexts.
Violence History Became A Field In The 1980s
- The history of violence became a distinct field in the 1980s with debates on biology, culture, and measurement.
- Definitions and causes vary by form of violence, complicating attempts to generalize trends.
Family And Honor Shape Violence Patterns
- Gendered and family violence remain pervasive, driven partly by lingering patriarchal attitudes.
- Changes in honor culture parallel long-term declines and transformations in interpersonal violence.
