VIOLENCE AND THE FAMILY; VIOLENCE AND SPORTS

With balanced, sober arguments, Berger brings reason and calm to emotional subjects as she searches for the causes of violence in American life. Violence and the Family covers several forms of abuse (of children, wives, and the elderly), distinguishing between sexual and nonsexual abuse and including discussions of verbal and psychological torment. Violence and Sports has one chapter each on various sports (golf and tennis are among those not included), with examples not only from the field but in the bleachers. In readable, compelling statements, Berger incorporates historical and cultural facts, expert theory, and her own well-researched ruminations about the nature of violence, plus some possible cures. Readers will understand from the beginning that abusive behavior in the family or on the playing field is only a symptom of a far greater malady--the sociology of machismo indoctrination in American life. Successful discussions of serious, encompassing ideas and concerns--backed by examples, statistics, and analysis--that go beyond superficial inquiry or fast solutions.