Escalating societal violence is not an issue with a single cause, however, or even with a single set of causes. Among the significant contributors are poverty, racism, unemployment, illegal drugs, inadequate parenting practices, and adult models of violent behavior in real life and in the media. Sometimes it's difficult to remember that the problem has multiple causes when prestigious people and organizations lend weight to one view, perhaps unwittingly distorting the total picture. The actions each of us takes to reduce violence are matters of individual conscience, skills, resources, and opportunities. The contributions each of us can make at the local level are important components of what must become a national effort to reduce violence.
Children learn to be civilized by watching adults behave in civilized ways.
The symposium's proceedings are available in print and audiotape. Garbarino, James. 1993. Let's Talk About Living in a World with Violence. Melso, Gail F., and Alan Fogel. The Development of Nurturance in Young Children.