AGGRESSION 1
Content Summary: Aggression
Chris Webb
Department of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
PSYC 512: Social Psychology
Dr. Tracy Gomez
May 7, 2023
AGGRESSION 2
Introduction
The concept of aggression can be found in all cultures worldwide within each individual.
The level of aggression varies for each person, but it still exists. In chapter 11 of Kassin et al.
(2021), the topic of aggression is dissected into six sections: what is aggression, culture, gender,
& individual differences, origins of aggression, situational influences on aggression, media
effects, and reducing aggression & violence. Chadee (2022) investigated the topics of Self-
Categorization Theory and Social Identification Theory in chapter 11. Within the chapter, they
discussed how the theories influence each other and their mutual aspects.
In research studies by Lereya et al. (2013) and Greitemeyer & Sagioglou (2016), they
took off deeper look at the causes of aggression within individuals. Lereya et al. (2013)
specifically look at how an individual’s observation of their parent’s actions cause mold their
relationships within the school. Greitemeyer & Sagioglou (2016) evaluated how an individual’s
socioeconomic status can affect the development of aggression within the individual.
Summary Points
Social Learning Theory
According to Kassin et al. (2021), Social Learning Theory is the process in which an
individual’s behavior is developed through the observations of others. Lereya et al. (2013)
sought to apply this theory to the research study in which they tested how a child’s relationship
and observation of their parents can develop their relationship with their peers in school. They
specifically look at the risk of becoming a victim and a bully/victim.
Sociocultural Influence
Within subsection 11-6b of Kassin et al. (2021), they spoke on the topic of how an
individual’s sociocultural position can have an influence on the growth of aggression.
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Greitemeyer & Sagioglou (2016) applied this concept to their research study in which they
sought to determine if an individual’s economic class determined the amount of aggression they
display.
Social Identification
According to Kassin et al. (2021), an individual's culture can drastically determine how
their members display aggression. In chapter 11 of Chadee (2022), they spoke on the relationship
between Self-Categorization Theory and Social Identification Theory. On page 276, they
proclaim Social Identification is an individual’s self-concept reflective of their group
membership. Based on the two concepts, an individual can develop a high level of aggression if
the group, in which the individual is a part of, contains aggressive habits.
Conclusion
Social Learning Theory, Sociocultural Influence, and Social Identification are important
topics to understand when facing an individual with aggressive tendencies. Social Learning
Theory is the concept that an individual develops their behavior through observation of others.
Sociocultural Influence explains that an individual’s position in society influences aggression
development. Social Identification defines an individual’s culture can increase the possibility of
aggressive behavior. It is important the concept of aggression is better understood because it can
be found in all cultures worldwide within everyone.
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References
Chadee, D. (Ed.). (2022). Theories in social psychology (2nd ed., pp. 203–204). John Wiley &
Sons.
Greitemeyer, T., & Sagioglou, C. (2016). Subjective socioeconomic status causes aggression: A
test of the theory of social deprivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,
111(2), 178–194. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000058
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2021). Social psychology (11th ed., pp. 4-47). Cengage.
Lereya, S. T., Samara, M., & Wolke, D. (2013). Parenting behavior and the risk of becoming a
victim and a bully/victim: A meta-analysis study. Child Abuse & Neglect, 37(12), 1091-
1108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2013.03.001
