A brief examination of the phenomenon of wife battering.
This paper presents the thesis that there is a positive correlation of psychological effects on battered wives as well as on their partners. The paper argues that unless wives take steps in intervention themselves, it is not possible for external programs to intervene in their social lives, and, the pattern of battering will continue from generation to generation unless an effective solution is found for such psychologically affected couples. The paper calls for more study on battered wives so this serious social problem can be resolved.
“Though it is the oldest institution— marriage is perhaps the most abused institution in the history of human behavior. Sentiments, promises, family values are all scattered within few moments of passionate battering. In the U.S. an estimate of 20-50 percent of marriages experience behavioral violence, where the wives receive the most injury. A high rate, especially when this is excluding cohabitants’ average.
However, the point of discussion is not on statistics but on the conditions of battered wives and the psychological effects it has on both partners. Experts like Larry Tifft [1993, p.60] blame it on social structure of female environments in their childhood that is responsible for their battered condition. According to him, the dynamics inherent in battering and its prevention is controlled through behavioral development of the female. The interrupted process of development results in an abnormal psyche. Low confidence, self-consciousness, inferiority complex etc are all a part of this syndrome that make the female submissive to violence.
However, the point of discussion is not on statistics but on the conditions of battered wives and the psychological effects it has on both partners. Experts like Larry Tifft [1993, p.60] blame it on social structure of female environments in their childhood that is responsible for their battered condition. According to him, the dynamics inherent in battering and its prevention is controlled through behavioral development of the female. The interrupted process of development results in an abnormal psyche. Low confidence, self-consciousness, inferiority complex etc are all a part of this syndrome that make the female submissive to violence.