Wilkinson's stress thesis and domestic violence
Wilkinson argues that male stress from poverty, unemployment, and relative deprivation increases domestic violence risk, as men reassert control through violence when economic masculine identity is threatened.
Real World
Studies of domestic violence during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns showed a sharp spike in reports — charities like Refuge recorded a 61% increase in calls — consistent with Wilkinson's argument that economic stress and loss of status fuel male violence.
Exam Focus
Contrast Wilkinson's structural explanation with Dobash & Dobash's patriarchal explanation to show you understand competing causes of domestic violence.
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