Explaining Violence in Chicago

Learning OutcomeHR.3.A - Evaluate sociocultural explanations of

the origins of violence.

OverviewThis week, we will be doing a case

study of the violence epidemic occurring Urban Chicago. We will be examining some of the possible psychological causes, psychological impacts it is having on children, and possible prevention techniques.

Violence in ChicagoViolence rates around the nation have

dropped, but violence in Chicago is an ongoing problem. (2014: 309 Gun related deaths and 2,500 shootings)

Gun violence at the center of the deaths.

Urban neighborhoods are overrun with gang violence are particularly dangerous.

The impact on youth and the rest of the community is undeniable and devastating.

Why Chicago Has So Much Gang Violence Video

Why Chicago Has So Much Gang Violence

Discussion QuestionsWhat factors impact the high violence rates?What concepts have we discussed this year

that might relate to this dire situation?

Culture of HonorA culture that develops where honor

and respect is very important, especially among males.A man’s resources can be easily stolenThere is limited support or protection by the

government or police

Nisbett and Cohen (1996)Culture as a Predictor of Violence

Aim: To discover if a Culture of Honor would predict violent behavior.

Method: College students (males) from both the

North and the South.Had participants be bumped by a

confederate working in a filing cabinet. They either received an insult (“a**hole”) or did not.

Nisbett and Cohen (1996)Findings: Males from the North viewed

the insult as amusement while the Southerners were more likely to act aggressively in response.

Conclusion: Men from a culture of honor were more likely to display aggressive behavior when provoked.

Critical Thinking?

Biological Elements of the “A**hole” Study Nisbett & Cohen (1996)

Aim: To see if there were biological differences in the response to the insult.

Method: Measured cortisol and testosterone levels of participants.

Results: Cortisol levels rose 79% in Southerners and only 33% in Northerners. Testosterone were higher in insulted Southerners.

Conclusion: Culture impacted the biological response to insults.

The InterruptersWe will watch the first 7 minutes of this

documentary. Our task is to link what we see here to our understandings of sociocultural psychology.

The Interrupters

What concepts from the Sociocultural LoA help us explain the violence in Chicago?