"Well-written, well-researched, with gripping detail and broad analysis; a revealing, hard-hitting book of much
value to every student and concerned citizen."
--Michael Parenti, author of Democracy for the Few and The Terrorism Trap
"Barbara Chasin does nothing less than redefine the issue of violence in America. Her book is a model of the
kind of policy-oriented research and writing this country desperately needs if we want to base our system of governance
on facts rather than dogma."
--Kevin Danaher, cofounder of the human rights group Global Exchange
Publisher Web Site, July 2005
Summary
Why are we in the United States so concerned with street violence and murder and so unconcerned about the many
untimely deaths resulting from the routine workings of our society? Far more people die because of occupational
illness than are violently murdered and 18,000 die annually because they cannot afford adequate health care. We
are outraged and indignant when one child is murdered, but remain silent as thousands of infants die as a result
of poverty.
In this fully revised, updated edition of her widely adopted textbook, sociologist Barbara Chasin examines both
the interpersonal violence with which the news media keep us familiar, and the less visible, but more costly, structural
violence, which the media practically ignore. Dr. Chasin points out that interpersonal violence is inflicted on
its victims by identifiable others and is emphasized by the media. By contrast, organizational and structural violence
primarily affects the poor, the working class, and people of color. This kind of violence is a result of decisions
made by society's elite. It is practically ignored by the media and is rarely prosecuted with sincerity or vigor.
Throughout this thoroughly researched work, the author stresses the connections between violence and economic,
ethnic, and gender inequalities. She convincingly links violence to profit seeking and militarism. Written for
the college student, this revealing book is thoroughly documented and includes recent statistics and tables, plus
new material on the 2003 U.S. war with Iraq and terrorism. This book also explores the interconnections among the
media, guns, and violence. While remaining academically rigorous, Chasin makes compelling use of individual experiences
to illustrate theoretical points.