University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Domestic Violence in the Popular Discourse: A Victim -Centered Problem

Berns, Nancy Sharon

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/86252

Description

Title
Domestic Violence in the Popular Discourse: A Victim -Centered Problem
Author(s)
Berns, Nancy Sharon
Issue Date
1999
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Lie, John
Department of Study
Sociology
Discipline
Sociology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Mass Communications
Language
eng
Abstract
"Because of the victim-centered portrayal of domestic violence in the popular media, labeling the recipients of abuse ""victims"" has failed to a absolve them from responsibility. This overemphasis on the victim helps abusers escape responsibility and public scrutiny and leads to victim-based solutions. Instead of focusing on preventing abuse before it starts or punishing the abuser after it happens, popular discourse primarily focuses on the victims' needs and problems. Publishing practices and politics contribute to the marginalization of the sociological and feminist perspectives that emphasize the social and cultural context. The dominance of individualism and self-help ideology in the United States foster the psychological perspective of domestic violence. We need alternative media that focus on the roots of violence and the cultural and social factors that foster abuse."
Graduation Semester
1999
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/86252

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Dissertations and Theses - Sociology