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Comparing Burgess and Draper's Theory of Family Violence and the Film, The Burning Bed

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Comparing Burgess and Draper's Theory of Family Violence and the Film, The Burning Bed

I. Introduction

Burgess and Draper argue coercive patterns of family interaction represent the principal causal pathway that connects ecological instability to violence within families. They maintain this raises the possibility that some of the common correlates of such violence are themselves reactions to sudden or chronic ecological instability. For example, alcoholism, depression, and anxiety may be responses to ecological stresses in the family, such as loss of employment, excessive financial debt, or divorce. Burgess and Draper suggest that violence towards one's mate or children may consequently be a direct result of ecological …show more content…

(Ohlin, 87)

Economic instability can also be a direct cause for child maltreatment. As resources dwindle, Burgess and Draper suggest the "survival of the fittest" theory which implies that if there is only enough food for three people and there are four members in a household, it would be a waste to give the food to a member that is not economically viable or unlikely to survive even with the food. This is a very barbaric principle and does not reflect the cultural norms of today's American society. Undoubtedly, in some places, this may occur but the maltreatment of the Hughes children did not come in this form.

II. Emotional Reactions

As the social or family structure is changing, Burgess and Draper suggest a few common feelings that men in particular may encounter. The first feeling is anxiety. Change brings uncertainty especially if the person in question is not directly influencing the change. Having someone inferior start a chain reaction that takes away direct control, can be particularly debilitating to someone who has low self-esteem. This is one of the most common personality traits for abusers like Mickey Hughes. (Ohlin, 89)

Burgess and Draper also say that wife batterers have an "intrusive style", easily angered, display extreme jealousy, fear of abandonment and violent out busts in response to personal loss of authority. (Ohlin,

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