2 Family and Close Relationships
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Jack Levin
Abstract
This chapter expands on important findings from the exploratory study of reclassified U.S. deaths, including: (1) that the perpetrators and victims in cases of covertly committed murder are disproportionately more likely to have shared a familial or other close relationship, compared to those involved in overtly committed incidents; and (2) that women appear to commit covert acts of violence at far higher rates than is reported in official data on violent crime. While the former finding is closely linked to the social institution of the family—particularly because of the close access that is often required for a perpetrator to commit covert violence (for example, a would-be poisoner would have more opportunities if targeting a member of their own household or with whom they maintain a trusting relationship, compared to targeting a more suspicious stranger)—the latter finding illustrates the connection between covert violence and powerlessness. Multiple examples of covert violence that have occurred within families and close relationships are included to illustrate these connections.
Abstract
This chapter expands on important findings from the exploratory study of reclassified U.S. deaths, including: (1) that the perpetrators and victims in cases of covertly committed murder are disproportionately more likely to have shared a familial or other close relationship, compared to those involved in overtly committed incidents; and (2) that women appear to commit covert acts of violence at far higher rates than is reported in official data on violent crime. While the former finding is closely linked to the social institution of the family—particularly because of the close access that is often required for a perpetrator to commit covert violence (for example, a would-be poisoner would have more opportunities if targeting a member of their own household or with whom they maintain a trusting relationship, compared to targeting a more suspicious stranger)—the latter finding illustrates the connection between covert violence and powerlessness. Multiple examples of covert violence that have occurred within families and close relationships are included to illustrate these connections.
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
