Aggression

Aggression is simply defined as “Any form of behavior directed toward the goal of harming another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment.” Aggression is most commonly studied in its application to humans and may include both verbal confrontations and physical gestures. Singular aggression between two humans is the most typical form of aggression found in the social world. The most destructive occurrence of aggression is found in warfare between sovereign nations. Numerous studies and analyses of the many forms of aggression reveal a host of potential variables that are social, gender, racial, biological cultural/geographic, psychological, historical, and even situational factors.

Aggression is usually thought of negatively because of its association with harm, such as in assaults and homicides. While this may be the prevailing popular perception, the use or display of aggression is clearly relative to its immediate social or cultural context. Consider, for example, the aggression in competitive sports, such as boxing. The same actions outside the arena are condemned as criminal and requiring a formal response in the form of punishment. The ancient Romans were famous for promoting gladiatorial contests that culminated in the deaths of humans, all in the pursuit of entertainment. Government punishment of criminals is aggression mandated by the state for the purpose of correcting or deterring an assault committed against another citizen. However, in some cultures, it is perfectly acceptable for an individual member to exact justifiable justice or revenge. Among other cultures, aggression may actually be prescribed in response to personal status building or status defense. In our culture, self-defense or defense of another may justify acts of aggression to the extent of causing death. Self-defense as a validation for aggression can clearly be extended to sovereign nations. An act of war or even the threat of war is morally justified because it both defends its people from potential conquerors and prevents a greater harm from a prolonged bloody struggle.

An understanding of aggression begins with a broad examination of human beings and our capacity for aggression. Why should some people have a greater willingness or need than others to display aggression? The study of children is a particularly popular avenue of exploration of aggression. It is commonly understood that the behaviors a child learns (suitable or unsuitable) can become deeply ingrained and carried into adulthood. This behavioral approach maintains that there are three primary sources of influence that shape a child's behavior and comprehension of appropriate responses: family, peers, and symbolic models.

Households in which the parents do not discipline, are permissive in the child's expression of aggression, and use power assertion in disciplining tend to produce aggressive children. The family provides the earliest socialization through the interaction of its members, from which the child learns the use of aggressive behaviors and patterns of interaction. The influence of interaction with peers is also very powerful because it provides children the opportunity to learn both aggressive behaviors and vie for, and possibly establish, a coveted position of dominance. Rough play such as chasing, catching, tumbling, and other competitive strength comparison activities provide a usually safe means to learn some of the benefits of aggression, such as victory and peer status/recognition.

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