Attitudes and family violence: Linking intergenerational and cultural theories

Drawing on intergenerational transmission and cultural (attitudinal) theori es, this study examines the extent to which attitudes help explain (I) the relationship between experiencing violence while growing up and subsequent violence against one's children and spouse, and (2) demographic differences in violence. Structural equation modeling techniques are used to examine d ata from a representative sample of the general population and a sample of ex-offenders. The findings indicate that experiencing violence while growin g lip is related to favorable attitudes towards violence against spouses. T he experience of violence while growing up and attitudes ave related to vio lence against both children and spouses. The relationship between experienc ing violence while growing rtp and engaging in violence against spouses is mediated by attitudes. The results also suggest that men and nonwhites are more approving of violence towards spouses. However, attitudes do not accou nt for demographic differences in violence against children and spouses.