TV Violence can Cause Aggression in Children  

(by Christine Russell)

Violence on television can lead to aggressive behaviour by children and teenagers who watch the programs, according to a review of the last decade of research on this long-debated topic.

«Television and Behaviour», a new report by the Department of Health and Human Services, concludes that the 'consensus' among scientists is that there is a 'causal relationship' between televised violence and aggression. «After 10 years of research, the consensus among most of the research community is that violence does lead to aggressive behaviour by children and teenagers who watch the programs,» according to the carefully worded update report.

Calling television a 'violent form of entertainment', the new report found that the percentage of programs containing violence has remained essentially the same over the past decade, and during this period «there also has been more violence on children's weekend programs than on prime-time television.»

The report cautions that «not all children become aggressive, of course,» emphasizing that the various studies compare large groups rather than individual cases. But the latest research has expanded to suggest that preschool children as well as adolescents, and girls as well as boys might be influenced by the televised violence.

As a window on a world with which children have little experience television strongly shapes the social attitudes of young viewers. There is fairly good evidence that children accept as authentic the portrayals that they see on television.

Sociologists' Views on Marriage

What is the criterion when choosing a mate? From many sociological surveys taken, it is unanimous that social, national, religious or other similar considerations have very little influence on the choice.

As for the nationality of those marrying, 14 per cent (every seventh) of the marriages in this country are mixed marriages, and this trend is growing.

An extensive sociological survey showed that 94 per cent of those about to get married say that love is the only ideal of marriage, which friendship and respect supplement. Only three per cent of those polled mentioned financial considerations as a possible motivation for marriage. The overwhelming majority said there can be no happiness where there is no emotional and intellectual

attraction.

The results of a sociological survey in Moscow show that young people are attracted most by kindness, then sociability, openness, modesty, and finally, ability for good house-keeping.

The figures on the age of marriage are also interesting: young women in the under 20 group figure in 25 per cent of the marriages; 20-23 - 61 per cent; 23-26 - 12 per cent; and over 26 - only two per cent. Young men don't seem in such a hurry to marry: the 20 group figure is only 15 per cent of the marriages; those in the 21-23 age group — 16 per cent, 23-26 — 49 per cent, and over 26 — 20 per cent.

Sociological results over the past 20 years indicate that most young people in this country do go into marriage with understanding and a sense of responsibility, and are eager to keep the marriage together.

According to the statistics, there are 33 divorces per every 100 marriages in this country (compared to 60 per 100 in Sweden, and 44 in the United States). What is the cause for divorce?

The prime reason for the comparatively high divorce rate in this country is the unequal sharing of domestic responsibilities, say many sociologists. Two factors are relevant here: the rising educational standards, and the greater intellectual and moral demands young women make of their men.

When a Man Marries

After a flaming row Mrs. Meek slammed the door and walked out into the rain. Hearing that Mr. Meek picked up his gun, aimed it at the ceiling and fired a shot. The lady who was still in the garden, heard it and rushed back but found the door locked. She had left the keys at home and realized she would not be able to get in unless she broke the door open. She set about the work at once but it was not so easy at all and, I daresay, she would no doubt have to give up the attempt if her neighbours had not heard her scream and wanted to give her a helping hand.

As the lady struggled bravely at the door, her husband tip-toed to the kitchen, picked up a tin of tomato juice, and split the liquid all over his face, his sports jacket, and the brand new tie. Having done that he looked at himself in the mirror and, no doubt, satisfied with what he had done, made his way to the bedroom. There he took a paper, the Daily Mirror I believe it was, and lay down on the bed with his slides on. For a time he played with the gun but then it occurred to him he had intended to read the press. So he put the gun on the dressing table, took the paper and set about reading. And how happy he was. There was nothing else he could wish at that particular moment... but what's that? The door had been broken open and he could now hear footsteps in the hall. He put away the newspaper, and closed his eyes trying to look as dead as he possibly could. Presently the door was torn open and his wife followed by a police constable ran into the room.

- It's all over now! — cried out the lady bursting into tears. She had taken stock of the situation at once, and whispered almost fainting:

— Poor me! He's split the last tin of tomato juice. What am I going to make soup with? Believe me, gentlemen, it's the last time I've ever left the larder open!

Notes:

A flaming row — пылкая ссора

To tip - toe — идти на цыпочках

A tin of tomato juice - банка томатного сока

Almost fainting — почти теряя сознание

A larder — кладовая

 

 

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