1 An Introduction to Covert Violence, Power, and Social Institutions
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Jack Levin
Abstract
This chapter establishes the concept of covert violence and presents a variety of data that collectively suggest a much greater prevalence of this type of violence than has ever been formally recognized by law enforcement agencies, government entities, or crime scholars. It first reviews data on U.S. deaths classified by manner—accident, natural cause, suicide, or homicide—before presenting an original exploratory study of U.S. deaths that had initially been classified as accidental, natural, or self-inflicted, but subsequently (typically months to years later) were officially reclassified as homicide. The chapter then lays the foundations for the theoretical perspective developed throughout the manuscript that links covert violence to issues of social power and to unique features of different social institutions.
Abstract
This chapter establishes the concept of covert violence and presents a variety of data that collectively suggest a much greater prevalence of this type of violence than has ever been formally recognized by law enforcement agencies, government entities, or crime scholars. It first reviews data on U.S. deaths classified by manner—accident, natural cause, suicide, or homicide—before presenting an original exploratory study of U.S. deaths that had initially been classified as accidental, natural, or self-inflicted, but subsequently (typically months to years later) were officially reclassified as homicide. The chapter then lays the foundations for the theoretical perspective developed throughout the manuscript that links covert violence to issues of social power and to unique features of different social institutions.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of Figures and Tables iv
- About the Authors v
- Acknowledgments vii
- An Introduction to Covert Violence, Power, and Social Institutions 1
- Family and Close Relationships 22
- Formal Education 47
- The Workplace 62
- Politics and Government 74
- Healthcare 90
- Mass Media 104
- Shining Light on the Shadows 116
- Case Summaries 131
- Index 148
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of Figures and Tables iv
- About the Authors v
- Acknowledgments vii
- An Introduction to Covert Violence, Power, and Social Institutions 1
- Family and Close Relationships 22
- Formal Education 47
- The Workplace 62
- Politics and Government 74
- Healthcare 90
- Mass Media 104
- Shining Light on the Shadows 116
- Case Summaries 131
- Index 148
