AGGRESSION

Aggression is defined as behavior that is intended to harm another individual who does not wish to be harmed – Baron and Richardson, 1997.

Aggression intends to destroy another person’s property or to injure another person, physically or psychologically.

Public aggression is seen in the form of communal conflicts, casteist clashes, racial discrimination, etc.

Aggression is a result of the frustration of not achieving basic needs. It is not an essential part of human nature, but a reaction to circumstances in which essential needs are unfulfilled.

Nonphysical aggression includes gossiping, spreading rumors, criticizing people behind their back, bullying, turning people against each other, etc.

There are various reasons for people and societies to turn to aggression.

Neurosis – is caused by the frustration of not being able to achieve basic human needs. The neurotic individual has irrational thoughts and acts irrationally thus harming not only himself but also others.

Media – watching and imitating violent behavior on television increases the likelihood to short term aggression among children.

Frustration – when a person is unable to achieve his or her goals.

Anger -  Individual’s feel angry when they  sense that they or someone they care about has been offended. Anger can be destructive when it does not find its proper outlet of expression and it sometimes leads to aggression.

Cultural causes – cultural influence plays in important role in the behavior of an individual. Humans have a natural tendency to be aggressive and society and culture can effect how much aggression is allowed.

Peers – An individual’s peer group influences how aggressive or violent they are. Negative groups like gangs can cause someone to be violent. Peer groups can also influence individuals to reduce aggressive behavior.

Social learning theory – people tend to imitate people around them. When parents are aggressive, children learn this behavior and follow the same. However, a parent is able to influence the child through non-violence and understanding the child’s behavior is moulded to be non-aggressive.

Economic causes – when people compete for the same resources it leads to conflict and aggression. E.g. property, jobs, income, housing. It is similar with natural resources.

Political causes – people become aggressive when they are unhappy with how the are governed. The most common conflicts occur when a particular group wants to be independent from a governing body. E.g. conflicts in Egypt.

Religious and political differences – conflicts also arise when people’s beliefs clash. Religious views are sensitive, and people depend on these views for a sense of identity and belonging. However, when religious groups are attacked because of a belief, there can be aggression. Politicians use aggression and promote differences in order to come to power and stay in power.

Ethnic differences – Peoples ethnicity gives them a sense of identity and any threat can cause aggression.

Most conflicts arise when people feel threatened and anger leads to aggression.