Both Sides | Why Is South Africa So Violent? Prof Garth Stevens On The Psychology Behind It
Why does violence remain so deeply embedded in South African society — and what can psychology actually tell us about the people who commit it? Randall Abrahams speaks to clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology Garth Stevens about the forces that shape violent behaviour, the psychology of repeat offending and what criminal profiling really involves.
The conversation moves beyond the idea that violence can be explained by a single personality type. Stevens explores South Africa’s history, inequality and social conditions; how repeated violence can become normalised; the risks of confirmation bias in profiling; and how misogyny, entitlement and objectification can contribute to violence against women. The result is a more difficult question: if violence is produced by both individuals and the societies around them, where does meaningful prevention begin?
Chapter List
(00:00) What Psychology Can Tell Us About Violence
(05:43) Why Is South Africa So Violent?
(09:42) Are There Early Warning Signs Of Violence?
(13:27) What Makes Someone A Repeat Offender?
(21:03) What Does A Criminal Profiler Actually Do?
(25:02) The Risks And Blind Spots Of Criminal Profiling
(30:04) Understanding Violence Against Women
