Sociologists over the years have committed substantial efforts towards investigating the concept of aggressive behavior and the way that it relates to gender. Essentially, they have theorized various factors that explain the disparities of the levels of aggression between male and female gender. This paper primarily seeks to examine the specific ways that the concept relates to gender through a critical review of various peer-reviewed sources. The findings indicate that while recent dispute variance of the quantity of aggressive between both genders, there exists a variance of quality, frequency, and the outcomes. Notably, the interplay of various factors such as culture, neurobiological composition, and genetics account for the variance of aggressive behavior between both genders. Moreover, the biblical dimension has also been seen as a driving factor citing various instances of aggression conflict management and punishment instrument. There is a need to conduct further research on the meaning of changing gender roles and their impact on the concept of aggressive behavior.
Introduction
Sociologist classifies aggression as a ubiquitous phenomenon closely linked to human nature. Interdisciplinary research indicates that gender plays a fundamental role in the conceptual understanding of the underlying factors that trigger violent behavior in an individual. Recent research has shown that there is a change in the nature of aggression with both male and feminine gender recording an increase in aggressive behavior. However, it is still evident. These new findings point to the development of a new complex paradigm that shows a series of both internal and external behavioral factors that influencing aggressive behavior (Aronson, Wilson, Sommers, & Akert, 2015). To this end, the research paper will critically investigate the concept of aggression among individuals with the context of gender. Essentially, explain that distinct gender characteristics, socio-cultural values, neuro-biological phenomenon and genetic composition account for the disparities in the expression of aggressive behavior witnessed. The research paper will also fundamentally show the distinctive nature of all forms of aggression within the context of gender.
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Review of Article 1
Björkqvist, K., Österman, K., & Lagerspetz, K. M. (2014). Sex differences in covert aggression among adults. Aggressive Behavior , 20 (1), 27-33.
The study investigates the existing differences and different forms of aggressive behavior between the male and female gender with the main focus being a critical examination of the specific levels of indirect aggression among male adolescents compared to females. The findings of the article indicate that male respondents were more likely to use direct forms of aggressive actions with higher levels of an impact compared to their female's counterparts. Females were found to apply more indirect forms of aggression with the intention of concealing their identity. Thus, the gender bias linking men to higher levels of aggression is one-sided and does reflect accurate hypothesis of the social deviant behavior (Björkqvist, Österman, & Lagerspetz, 2014, p. 29). The study correlates with the research topic in that it offers supporting evidence that indicates the existence of the variance in the quality and nature of aggressive behavior between the two genders.
Review of Article II:
Wright, M. F., & Li, Y. (2013). Normative Beliefs About Aggression and Cyber Aggression Among Young Adults: A Longitudinal Investigation. Aggressive Behavior , 39 (3), 161-170.
The longitudinal study investigated the concept of social aggression on the paradigms of the pre-existing normative beliefs on society. Essentially, the research conducted anelectronic-based survey to determine the specific ideological behavior of aggression constructed by the beliefs of the respondents. The findings of the study indicated that male was more susceptible to the use of face-to-face and cyber-related aggressive behavior than women. The relational aggression between the two forms of aggressive behavior was driven by the underlying normative beliefs of their effect. In cases where there was a strong belief that the use of either form of aggressive behavior was effective, it was found that respondents used it as the preferred choice to cause intended harm (Wright & Li, 2013, p. 169). The study was essential to the topic because it revealed the aspects of the normative belief in the understanding of aggressive behavior, therefore, advancing the scope of the topic.
Biblical Integration
Various religious texts in the Bible consistently reveal aggressiveness alternativeness as a way of settling disputes. The fact that religion is one of the standard tools in society used to develop the standards of behavior makes the frequent use of aggressive behavior influential even among Christians. Sociologists relate Old Testament wars with the rise of modern aggression in patriarchal Muslim and Christian regions (Augsburger, 2009, p. 105). While the bible does openly support the use of violence and aggressive behavior, there are several verses that indicate that God warns against sin because He is aggressive towards punishing them. In Roman 13:4, he warns Christians against doing any wrong against God’s servant. It Says: “ But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer .” This verse is an indication of the position of God in matters of sin and punishment. An interpretation of the verse may indicate that vengeance, one of the driving agents of aggressive behavior, is one of the main factors that influence the concept. In Psalms 11:5, God admonishes the wicked and oppressive characters. He says, “ The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates". He explains that those that he hates are those who use violence and are unjust against the weak in society. On one hand, we see that the Bible takes a strong stand on aggression while on the other indicating its use in punishing sin. Evidently, some of the religious-based use of aggression may be connected to these teachings. Christians, for example in the use, are known to use guns to defend themselves against those intending them harm. Contemporary society’s pernicious love of violence in many ways is a reflection of how the biblical communities responded to invaders and oppressors. The new testament introduces a new perspective on the topic with the illustration of Jesus resilience. Despite being subjected to injustices, he restrains himself and instead forgives them. In a way, it detaches the need for violence to seek retribution but instead adopt a forgiving nature.
Conclusion
Gender and related aggression are only reflective of the underlying factors that affect a particular individual. As such, the explanation of this phenomenon requires a comparison of both traditional and modern concepts of the same. It is essential to make sure that there is a balance in the understanding of how it links with gender. Culture, biology, and beliefs are some of the key factors that fuel the disparities of aggressiveness between both genders. In essence, the development in research on the topic indicates that current change of social dynamics and gender roles explain the recent rise of aggressive tendencies among women.
References
Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., Sommers, S. R., & Akert, R. M. (2015). Social Psychology (10th ed.). London, England: Pearson.
Augsburger, D. W. (2009). Book Review: Reckoning With Aggression: Theology, Violence and Vitality. Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology , 53 (1), 104-106. doi:10.1177/002096439905300139
Björkqvist, K., Österman, K., & Lagerspetz, K. M. (2014). Sex differences in covert aggression among adults. Aggressive Behavior , 20 (1), 27-33. doi:10.1002/1098-2337(1994)20:1<27::aid-ab2480200105>3.0.co;2-q
Wright, M. F., & Li, Y. (2013). Normative Beliefs About Aggression and Cyber Aggression Among Young Adults: A Longitudinal Investigation. Aggressive Behavior , 39 (3), 161-170. doi:10.1002/ab.21470
