Understanding and Preventing Violence, Volume 2: Biobehavioral Influences (1994)
Chapter: SOCIAL CLASS, AGE, AND GENDER RELATED TO VIOLENCE
of mental disorders as well (Breggin, 1980; Chorover, 1980). Chorover has cited stimulant drug treatment of hyperactive children as another example of the way in which "in both families and societies, practical and political interests may be served by attributing blame, by identifying symptoms as causes, and by controlling individuals whose behavior is defined to be dangerous or disturbing" (Chorover, 1980:133). Although it is true that these authors have been primarily polemicists rather than gatherers of data, they are representative of those who, for a variety of reasons, oppose neurobiologic approaches to complex medical-social problems. This may be a minority view, but it is clear that there is no unanimity of opinion that seeking the neurobiologic causes of violent and aggressive behavior (and basing treatments on these data) is an unalloyed good.
SOCIAL CLASS, AGE, AND GENDER RELATED TO VIOLENCE
The fact that violent and aggressive behavior is more prevalent among young male members of lower socioeconomic groups has been mentioned in conjunction with a number of studies we have reviewed (e.g., Tardiff and Sweillam, 1980; Kindlon et al., 1988; see Table 11); this variable or group of variables is often a confounding factor in the interpretation of the results of research on violence. A recent statistical summary cited by Roberts (1990) shows a precipitous rise in male homicide rates (for nonrelatives of the same sex) at ages 15–19, which does not moderate until age 40–44. Even then, the curve does not approach the rates for females until ages 50–54 or later. The rates for females remain relatively stable throughout life, except for a slight bump occurring at age 20–24. This gender difference may be rooted in evolution and is undoubtedly heavily influenced by cultural and sociologic factors (Daly and Wilson, 1989, cited by Roberts, 1990); however, the question arises as to whether there are differences between male and female brains that could account for, or at least be related to, the differential propensity to violence. The work of two investigators is possibly relevant here. Lansdell has shown, in a series of studies beginning in 1962 (Lansdell, 1962), that male patients with seizure disorders who undergo surgical resection of the temporal lobe for the relief of epilepsy tend to show greater behavioral deficits postsurgery than female patients. "These unique results with these operations show a resiliency of the female brain, compared with the male brain, with regard to these two types of surgery …" (Lansdell, 1989).
