Evolutionary Psychology and Violence: A Primer for Policymakers and Public Policy Advocates

(Hardback)

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Each chapter in this volume poses a public policy issue related to violence, describes aspects of evolutionary psychology that are relative, and then posits public policy recommendations based on this psychological model. Topics covered also include psychopathy, despotism, and suicide bombings. This volume is designed as an accessible way for policymakers outside of academia to learn about new theoretical developments. Evolutionary psychologya relatively new theoretical model of psychologyprovides valuable and exciting insights on human violence and public policy issues related to human violence, from war and terrorism to rape and criminality. To this end, each chapter in this volume poses a public policy issues related to violence, describes aspects of evolutionary psychology that are relative and then posits public policy recommendations based on this psychological model. Topics covered also include psycopathy, despotism, and suicide bombings. This volume, designed as an accessible way for policymakers outside of academia to learn about new theoretical developments, also explodes the myths about evolutionary psychology, such as the false claim that it justifies immoral behavior or focuses only on humans' ugly underbelly. While appealing to policymakers across foundations and agencies, this collection will also interest scholars and teachers focused on evolutionary psychology, public policy, criminal justice, security, public affairs, sociology, and anthropology.

Reviews

"An evolutionary perspective on human violence is both new and important . . . and fortunately, it seems to be reaching the breakthrough stage, thanks in part to this impressive volume. The problem of violence is simply too large to be left to the same tired, outmoded ways of thinking that have so long prevailed in the social sciences; the editors and contributors to Evolutionary Psychology and Violence should be congratulated for a difficult task, beautifully accomplished."-David P. Barash University of Washington author of Understanding Violence
"Ranging from rapists and psychopaths to judges and juries, from morality and murder to retribution and reconciliation, and from incarceration and integration to the politics of punishment, this is a book for anyone interested in or touched by violence. It is one of those rare books that can change the way you perceive and analyze. It is interdisciplinary in the best sense of the word, and offers the most up-to-date look yet at the multiple origins of violence. Nowhere is there a more integrative set of studies. The book breaks new ground, demonstrating precisely why effective peacemaking polices require competent understanding of evolutionary processes."-Owen D. Jones Arizona State University
[I]nformative and often very well written ...-Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy
[R]eading this book might be hazardous to your equanimity. As you study the exceptionally well-written and well thought out chapters you may question some of your own basic ethical, moral and philosophical tenets and consequently experience increasing levels of anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, I hope a lot of you read the book, including public policymakers--those who are literate of course. It contains not only penetrting analyses of the root causes of the violence that is threatening to destroy our civilization, but also some promising violence-reduction strategies....I recommend you go directly to your bookstore or library and get a copy. If you belong to a book club, bring it to their attention. If you know any public policymakers, send them a copy. Time is getting short, so hurry!-Metapsychology
The audience for the book ranges from psychologists to political scientists and sociologists....Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.-Choice
[I]nformative and often very well written ...Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy
"Informative and often very well written ..."-Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy
"Reading this book might be hazardous to your equanimity. As you study the exceptionally well-written and well thought out chapters you may question some of your own basic ethical, moral and philosophical tenets and consequently experience increasing levels of anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, I hope a lot of you read the book, including public policymakers--those who are literate of course. It contains not only penetrting analyses of the root causes of the violence that is threatening to destroy our civilization, but also some promising violence-reduction strategies....I recommend you go directly to your bookstore or library and get a copy. If you belong to a book club, bring it to their attention. If you know any public policymakers, send them a copy. Time is getting short, so hurry!"-Metapsychology
"[I]nformative and often very well written ..."-Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy
"The audience for the book ranges from psychologists to political scientists and sociologists....Upper-division undergraduates through faculty."-Choice
"[R]eading this book might be hazardous to your equanimity. As you study the exceptionally well-written and well thought out chapters you may question some of your own basic ethical, moral and philosophical tenets and consequently experience increasing levels of anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, I hope a lot of you read the book, including public policymakers--those who are literate of course. It contains not only penetrting analyses of the root causes of the violence that is threatening to destroy our civilization, but also some promising violence-reduction strategies....I recommend you go directly to your bookstore or library and get a copy. If you belong to a book club, bring it to their attention. If you know any public policymakers, send them a copy. Time is getting short, so hurry!"-Metapsychology

Author Bio

RICHARD W. BLOOM is Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he is Director of Terrorism, Intelligence, and Security Studies there. He is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. NANCY DESS is a Professor of Psychology at Occidental College.