Gender differences in the choreography of alcohol-related violence: An observational study of aggression within licensed premises

Abstract

Aims: To examine patterns of gender involvement in violent incidents observed within licensed premises. Methods: Field observations were conducted in a sample of eight city centre nightclubs allowing alcohol-related aggressive incidents to be witnessed in their naturalistic setting. Results: Although most of those involved in aggressive incidents were males (108/171), many of the conflicts witnessed involved female combatants (36.8%). Additionally, female-to-female incidents were found to be as potentially injurious as those between males. Nevertheless, female-to-female and male-to-male conflicts did differ, in terms of the nature of the violence observed with, for example, female conflicts being less likely to involve an easily recognisable set pre-fight choreography. Conclusions: This research the challenges belief that female conflicts within licensed premises are less problematic than those involving males. These findings are discussed in terms of alcohol, masculinity and harm reduction.

‘We police it ourselves’: Group processes in the escalation and regulation of violence in the night‐time economy

“…This research complements recent observational work focussing upon alcohol‐based violence (e.g. Forsyth & Lennox, ; Graham & Homel, ). Forsyth and Lennox's study of violence in Glasgow's nightclubs observed differing patterns of male and female violence, and very few instances of inter‐gender conflict.…”

“…However, the differing accounts of violence and group behaviours provide access into the explicit norms that need to be considered by the participants in the NTE. They also provide a level of detail and description of group relationships not available in observational studies of NTE violence (Forsyth & Lennox, ; Levine, Taylor, & Best, ) and have previously been used to examine social capital in the NTE (Demant & Järvinen, ).…”

“Yes, I Do but Not with You”: Qualitative Analyses of Sexual/romantic Overture-Related Aggression in Bars and Clubs

“…However, these roles may well be changing. For example, there is growing evidence that female bar patrons in the United Kingdom are becoming increasingly aggressive and adopting many of the behaviors previously enacted primarily by men in drinking establishments (Day, Gough, & McFadden, 2003; Forsyth & Lennox, 2009; Hobbs, O’Brien, & Westmarland, 2007). It is yet to be seen whether this trend toward gender “equity” in aggression will result in lower rates of predatory and aggressive sexual/romantic overtures by men toward women or whether it will simply increase the overall rate of aggression related to sexual/romantic overtures due to the increase in aggression generally by female initiators and targets.…”

“Me Getting Plastered and Her Provoking My Eyes”

“…Studies of bars, pubs, and nightclubs reveal how specific setting characteristics can lead to higher levels of violent conduct. Structural factors like overcrowding, narrow hallways/doors, loud noise, poor ventilation, lack of or poorly trained security staff, and lack of proper seating have been linked to disproportionately high rates of aggressive behavior (Forsyth & Lennox, 2010;Graham, Bernards, Osgood, & Wells, 2012;Graham et al, 2004;Hobbs, O'Brien, & Westmarland, 2007;Roberts, 2007;Schnitzer et al, 2010). Social factors such as a permissive atmosphere or reputation for violent conduct (Graham et al, 2000;Quigley & Leonard, 2004), commercialism (Anderson, Daly, & Rapp, 2009;Kavanaugh, 2013), competition or heightened concerns about sexuality (Anderson et al, 2009;Egan & Hamilton, 2008;Wells et al, 2009), and the perception that fighting is normal, acceptable, or even expected (Bernburg & Thorlindsson, 2005;Wells, Graham, & Tremblay, 2007;Wells, Neighbors, Tremblay, & Graham, 2011) also contribute to barroom aggression.…”