influence of socio economic factors on aggression

housing & environment

may come from an area where there’s few opportunities & where belonging to a gang & engaging in aggressive behaviour = seen as norm

poverty

May be angry & frustrated as they feel socially excluded

example

individual may believe & feel frustrated that people from their area don’t get offered jobs & that they can never attain good things in life ∴ aggression = outlet for frustration

gender & class (1)

some researchers believe aggressive behaviour = part of sub-culture of young working-class males

(2)

biological perspective argues males may be more aggressive due to high testosterone levels

ethnicity (1)

may be aggressive as others pick on them for their ethnicity

(2)

they respond by engaging in violence & aggression towards those who attack/discriminate against them

education

poor experience – may be angry & aggressive & hit back at authority with aggressive behaviour

family (1)

circumstances may be difficult – may make individual feel unloved – reaction may be one of aggression

(2)

may be a learned behaviour in the context of a violent family

media

Some theorists argue may stem from exposure to violent media images, with repeated exposure desensitising individuals to effects of violent behaviour on victims