ABSTRACT

Psychological and social science research shows that there are numerous ways to prevent and reduce violence within and among societies (Fry, 2004; Fry & Björkqvist, 1997; Gelles & Straus, 1988; Straus, 2001). For the most part, different approaches can be seen as complementary and sometimes additive in their effects. Within schools, for example, peer mediation, anti-bullying programs, and the teaching of conflict resolution skills can be effective (see Olweus, this volume; Fry & Björkqvist, 1997). Domestic violence rehabilitation can prove beneficial as well (Gelles & Straus, 1988). Community involvement in the upbringing of youth has been shown to reduce criminality (Sampson et al., 1997). Empirical studies have demonstrated the link between receiving and witnessing corporal punishment as a child and acting aggressively as an adult (Straus, 2001), and in light of such findings a growing number of countries have passed laws prohibiting the physical punishment of children (End Corporal Punishment, n.d.). Creating cross-cutting ties among groups and highlighting a larger common identity help to reduce bias and hostilities and simultaneously enhance intergroup cooperation and positive perceptions of others (Dovidio et al., 2009; see also Densley & Peterson, this volume). Data suggest that economic and social disparities within a society correlate positively with violence (Institute for Economics and Peace, n.d.). A prescription, therefore, for reducing violence is to enhance the equitable distribution of resources across the members of society, a process that the Nordic countries have demonstrated is possible (Eisler, 2007). At the regional and global levels, research on existing nonwarring peace systems suggests that the chance of war can be reduced in various ways through recognizing and augmenting mutual interdependence, building an overarching socio-political identity, strengthening ties among subunits, promoting peace values such as appreciation for diversity, tolerance, and respect, reinforcing unity and peace through symbolic culture,

developing institutions for the effective resolution of conflicts and the delivery of justice, and creating supranational organizations, norms, and legal mechanisms to address common security and economic and ecological concerns (Fry, 2012).