Richard J. Gelles

Many factors lead to male violence against women, Richard J. Gelles contends in the following viewpoint. According to Gelles, these factors include low self-esteem, a quest for power and control over the female partner, and stress. He asserts that these factors indicate that male violence is not equally distributed among all social classes and groups. Gelles is the Joanne T. and Raymond B. Welsh Chair of Child Welfare and Family Violence, School of Social Work, at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to studies cited by the author, what personality disorders are common among men who assault intimate partners?
2. According to Gelles, what age group is most likely to commit battery?
3. What type of drinker is most likely to batter, as stated by...