Evolving Folks Project

Why are men and boys so violent?

On September 4, 2024, there was a tragic mass shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia, United States. Four individuals lost their lives, including two students and two teachers, while nine others sustained injuries. The authorities arrested and charged Colt Gray, a 14-year-old suspect, with four counts of felony murder. Colin Gray’s father was charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter after it was discovered that he had bought the gun believed to be used in the shooting. This school shooting in Georgia is the deadliest on record.

Most times, in these heinous acts, the shooters are men. There is no solid evidence showing that being mentally ill will inevitably result in someone becoming a mass shooter. As I mentioned before in a previous post. Regrettably, violence is a recurring element in the human experience. Across the globe, it is men who hold a monopoly on violence. The purpose is not to present women and non-binary individuals as entirely non-violent. The statistics provide data on violence in a wide range of areas, such as war, intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, homicide, suicide, serial murder, and mass shootings. Men are leading the charge on all these statistics.

Data shows that violence and violent crime are decreasing in the United States and globally. That is a good thing, but violence is still a reality for far too many people. The nightly news continues to depict conflict zones in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe as places where violence is a regular occurrence. Governments all over the world have armed their nations with bombs, tanks, drones, planes, and nuclear weapons. The United States holds one of the most immense defense budgets in human history, leading the way. The U.S. Defense budget accounts for 40% of global defense spending.

Humankind is pursuing a path towards more war and destruction. Humanity seems to put more stake in war and violence than in seeking peace and diplomacy to deal with the complex issues around global conflict. Images of mass violence from Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, and Gaza flood our nightly news on TV and our social media feeds. Across the globe, the face of violence nine times out of ten is men.

Men and Violence: A Complex Issue

Researchers have extensively studied the intricate and multifaceted issue of men’s involvement in violence. While it’s vital to acknowledge that not all men are violent, statistics show men are disproportionately involved in both perpetrating and being victimized by violence.

Factors Contributing to Male Violence

Various factors, such as gender roles, exposure to violence, mental health, and social/economic factors, contribute to the prevalence of violence among men. Traditional gender roles often prescribe men to exhibit strength, aggression, and dominance. Harmful behaviors, such as violence, can result from these norms. Men who have witnessed or experienced violence are at a higher risk of engaging in violent behavior.
The presence of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse can amplify the likelihood of violence. Poverty, unemployment, and social isolation can also influence violent behavior.

The debate over whether violence is inherent in human nature has spanned centuries among philosophers, anthropologists, and psychologists. We should acknowledge that humans have the potential for violence, but we should avoid oversimplifying the issue. Violence is not an inevitable or predetermined part of human nature. Various factors, including biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, shaped it.

Research suggests that aggressive behavior may have a connection with biological factors such as brain structure or hormone levels. Yet, these factors alone do not account for the entirety of human behavior. Psychological factors, including mental health conditions or traumatic experiences, can influence violence. Societal norms, cultural values, and environmental factors shape human behavior, including violence.

Biological factors contribute to human behavior, including violence. Genetics stands out among the critical areas of research. Twin studies exist. Research has revealed that genetic factors can play a role in aggressive behavior by comparing identical twins to fraternal twins. Genetics may predispose individuals to certain behaviors, but environmental factors are equally important. Genetics may predispose individuals to aggression, but this predisposition may only manifest in specific environments.

Neurobiology plays a significant role. Research has linked aggression and violence to specific brain regions, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. The brain uses neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine to regulate mood, impulsivity, and aggression.

It’s possible that hormones influence behavior. Researchers have found a relationship between testosterone and acts of violence. Both animals and humans have shown increased aggression in correlation with higher levels of testosterone. Still, the complex association between testosterone and aggression can be influenced by other elements. Although biological factors can contribute to violent behavior, they are not the sole explanation. Environmental factors, like upbringing, social experiences, and cultural influences, have a big impact, too.

The shaping of human behavior heavily relies on environmental factors, particularly violence. Listed below are some significant areas of research. We can investigate how individuals are influenced during their upbringing. It encompasses parenting styles and exposure to violence. Researchers have found a correlation between permissive and neglectful parenting styles and higher levels of aggression in children and adolescents. Children who experience violence are at a higher risk of engaging in violent behavior. Social factors contribute to violence.

Peer pressure and socioeconomic status can impact individual behavior, particularly aggression. The risk of violence can rise because of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. Gang membership frequently requires adherence to a violent code and seeking revenge. Cultural factors have the potential to impact violence in individuals. The impact of media on societal norms and values. Cultural norms and values can shape attitudes regarding violence and aggression. Specific studies that examine the impact of violent media, including movies, TV, and video games, have observed an increase in aggression.
Environmental and biological factors often intertwine to shape behavior. However, only specific environments may reveal a genetic predisposition for aggression.

Violence Against Women: A Global Epidemic

Women worldwide are deeply affected by the pervasive issue of violence against them. Various forms of violence include intimate partner violence, sexual assault, femicide, female genital mutilation, and human trafficking. Abuse inflicted by a current or ex-partner, be it physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological. Non-consensual sexual actions encompassing rape, attempted rape, and sexual harassment.

Murdering a woman solely because of her gender is globally pervasive. The partial or complete removal of female genitalia is a harmful practice. The act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harboring, or receiving individuals through force, fraud, or deception, intending to exploit them is the act of human trafficking impacting far too many women.

The incidence of violence against women is alarmingly widespread. The World Health Organization states that 1 out of every 3 women worldwide has been a victim of physical or sexual violence at some stage in her life. This global crisis requires urgent action.   

The Causes and Consequences of Violence Against Women.

The reasons for violence against women are intricate and diverse. The elements comprise gender inequality, cultural and religious beliefs, lack of access to education and economic opportunities, and legal and institutional barriers.

The idea that women are subordinate to men is upheld by harmful gender norms and stereotypes. Certain cultural and religious beliefs support or tolerate violence against women. Women who rely on their partners financially may face a higher risk of violence. The absence of justice and protective services can hinder women from seeking help or leaving abusive situations. There are severe and long-lasting repercussions of violence against women. The factors comprise physical and psychological trauma, economic hardship, and social isolation.

The physical and psychological impact of violence on women can be devastating, resulting in injuries, disabilities, and mental health problems. Violence can cause financial loss, job insecurity, and homelessness. Their communities might shun women who face violence or feel too scared to ask for help. There are many ways to address the problem of gender-related violence. A comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle violence against women, which includes prevention, protection, prosecution, and policy reform.

Solutions to curb violence and the creation of a more peace world

Advancing gender equality, questioning damaging stereotypes, and informing communities about violence prevention. Providing safe havens, legal aid, and various support services for those who have experienced violence. Enforcing legislation and policies that safeguard women’s rights and tackle the underlying causes of violence. When acts of violence are committed against women, it violates their human rights. The situation calls for urgent action, as it is a global crisis. Through cooperation, we can shape a world where violence is nonexistent for women and girls. In turn, making the world safer for men and boys too. And safer world for those who don’t identify with the gender binaries of our cultures.

A Peaceful World for All Our Sons

Tackling male violence requires promoting healthy masculinity, preventing violence, addressing root causes, and supporting victims. Support expressions of masculinity that are both positive and non-violent. Execute initiatives to curb violence, like training in conflict resolution and bystander intervention.

Prioritize efforts to combat the fundamental causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and mental health concerns. Provide aid and resources for both men and women who have experienced violence. To address male violence effectively, a comprehensive approach involving individuals, communities, and governments is crucial. The joint effort results in a society that is both secure and just for everyone.

Humans are capable of both violence and peace. A complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social elements influences people’s decisions to resort to violence or not. By grasping these factors, we can establish a more peaceful and equal society for men, women, and all individuals.