The Presence of Fathers in Attenuating Young Male Violence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although violent crime is typically viewed as a public safety problem, the sequelae of violent crime can also be viewed as a public health problem, with at least part of its roots aligned with the family. Murder, rape, and assault result in substantial societal costs as well as individual costs. It is suggested here that the prior presence of a residential and biological father inhibits violent behavior in their sons who have grown to adulthood. Data analyzed across the U.S. indicate that father absence, rather than poverty, was a strong predictor of young men's violent behavior. Predictions of violent crime rates based on the level of out-of-wedlock births from the prior generation were superior to predictions that were based on adult violent crime rates and levels of out-of-wedlock births from the same time frame. A consonant pattern was found in cross-national surveys. Accordingly, public health policies which are designed to prevent or to reduce the numbers of violent sons and the incidence of violent crimes and their sequelae should take into account (1) how the presence of social fathers inhibits violent behavior by their sons and (2) how to maximize the opportunities for children to have an ongoing social father.