Inequality and violence in the United States

the long version

In this clearly written text sociologist Barbara Chasin examines both the interpersonal violence with which the news media keeps us familiar, and the less visible, but more costly, structural violence which the media practically ignores. Dr. Chasin makes the point that interpersonal violence is inflicted on its victims by identifiable others, is focused on by the media, and that remedies are available; whereas structural violence primarily affects the poor, the working class, the blacks and other minority groups, is a direct result of decisions made by society's elite, is practically ignored by the media, and is rarely prosecuted with sincerity or vigor. But she convincingly demonstrates that both result from economic inequality. Written for the college student, the book is thoroughly documented and includes recent statistics and tables and, while remaining academically rigorous, it makes compelling use of individual experiences to illustrate theoretical points.