ABSTRACT
In this chapter I describe and discuss the study of particularly violent actors, primarily on the basis of Lonnie Athens’ work. I show how such actors may be understood by reference to their childhood histories and their brutalising past. I present my critique of Athens’ analysis and I discuss how technologies, institutions and collectives may contribute to violence, as well as masculinities and femininities. I give plenty of examples of how violence often (but not always) appears to be a masculine speciality. I also discuss Anthony Ellis’ studies of socio-economically marginalised men and how a situational approach can be integrated with an economic and cultural.
