Title of paper: Perceptions of Violence

In this paper it is proposed that one way of integrating what we know of the sociology of violence into a framework of individual action is to consider violent behaviour from a rational choice perspective. It is argued that conceptualising violence as the outcome of a rational choice or a decision on the part of the offender illuminates the goal directed, instrumental character of violence. A number of studies and perspectives that focus on the rewards of violence are discussed. It is argued that cultural beliefs about anger as well as the instrumentality and acceptability of violence are seen as relevant to exp lanations of violence at both the aggregate and individual levels. Offenders’ accounts of their use of violence are interpreted in terms of the rational choice approach and the paper concludes with a discussion of historical trends in violence. Perceptions of violence Page 3