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The College of The Bahamas :: Oakes Field :: P.O. Box N-4912 :: Nassau, The Bahamas
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"Violence in The Bahamas":
A focus for College faculty research, 2010-2011
Violence has become one of The Bahamas' most challenging social vices of our times and, as such, comprehensive research on this subject matter can inform policies which may be used to ameliorate the predicament.
Consequently, it is proposed that "Violence in The Bahamas" is used as a theme to underpin research undertaken by College faculty. A number of research teams working on separate, yet related projects, are envisioned. A team could be led by one or more experienced researchers who would then be able to mentor and guide other team members. A series of interconnected studies would allow each study to support and enhance the other and also encourage interdisciplinary teams to be formed across departments and academic Units. These complementary studies would allow these faculty teams to delve into the wider ramifications of the tangled web of violence. These studies would usefully complement the previous studies undertaken by College faculty on violence.
Therefore, faculty who are interested in participating in this research thrust are invited to contact Natasha Pyfrom (npyfrom@cob.edu.bs) or Valdez Russell (valdezrussell@gmail.com) in the Office of Research, Graduate Programmes and International Relations at 302-4455. We look forward to being able to assist with the formation of research teams and give support to your research in this area. Expressions of interest should be made known before February 26th, 2010.
The following areas for study are suggested with possible lead/collaborating academic units. Clearly, other areas of research related to violence could also be considered.
- Secondary sources of data relating to violence
A number of studies have been undertaken by a wide range of agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, which include information relating to violence. This study would gather these diverse resources together, to provide background and historical data on violence in the country. This project would underpin the others being done in this initiative. (LIMS)
- Violence and child rearing
This would build upon Otterbein & Otterbein (1976) and Brennen et al (unpublished). Nurses could replicate the study in Congo Town and expand that to other islands. Are children still subject to a violent upbringing? What forms of discipline do parents use? Do victimisers know the full implications of their actions? (SNAP)
- Violence in the school
This would use data from the Ministry of Health, previous College studies, Ministry of Education, newspapers reports as well as observational studies and surveys in selected schools in the North-western District of New Providence (where there is a good rapport with the District superintendent). Research questions could include: What forms of violence occur in school? Who are the victims and victimisers? What are the motives for violence? (SEDUC/SSOS)
- Violence in the lives of college students
This would use data from the Counselling Department, official College statistics on violence on-campus etc. This would tie in with (3) and (2). Information could be gathered on students about their interactions with other students and staff on-campus. Research questions could include: What forms of violence occur on-campus? Who are the victims and victimisers? What are the motives for violence? How do these interactions influence the students? (Counselling)
- Violence in the home
This would build upon and possibly use data from Plumridge & Fielding (2009), Fielding (2010), Brennen et al (submitted for review), Rolle-Cargill (unpublished), newspapers, Ministry of Health, official statistics from Social Services, Health and the Police to examine the forms and prevalence of violence/abuse in the home. Collaboration with the Crisis Centre could allow case studies to be incorporated? (SSOC/SNAHP
- Violence on the street
This would build upon data collected by Bethel (unpublished) concerning college student violence on the street. Students could be surveyed concerning violence which they see and in which they participate in various settings. This could be triangulated with direct observation in public gatherings, rallies, concerts, sports events. How does the presence of violence on the street impact people's daily lives? (SSOC)
- Instruments of violence
Using the data being collected by Brennen et al. on firearms in Spring 2010 as its starting point, this project would explore the wider issues associated with weapons used in violent crimes at home, at school and on the street. Sources, uses and the control of these instruments would be investigated as well as how their presence in the household influences household dynamics. (SSOC, SEDUC, SNAHP)
- Violence in the media
Violence is constantly in the news and entertainment media. This research would focus on the nature of the violence, sources and consumers and examine how this has changed since Independence. Are we (both children and adults) comfortable with the level of violence to which we are exposed? To which forms of violence are we exposed and which do we chose to repeat? Are those who are most exposed to violence more likely to behave violently and, if so, what forms of violence do they use? How have policy makers attempted to convey violence reducing messages to the public? How effective have they been? What other methods should be used which might have more impact? (SCCA/SES)
- Violence and tourism
This would look at the impact of the violence on tourism. This would use tourism satellite accounts, tourism and police data. What is the cost of policing tourist areas? How much money do we lose from a tourist being a victim of violence? How much money should be spent on protecting tourists? What can we learn from countries which depend on tourism but also have high levels of violence? What strategies are needed to overcome the negative image acquired through violence? Using the impact of violence on tourism in other countries, what scenarios could the country face as a result of increased violence? (CHMI/SBUS/SCCA)
- Prosecuting violent acts
This would look at the longer-term, historical changes in prosecutions associated with violations of the Penal Code. For example: When was anyone last prosecuted under Section 208? "Whoever-makes use of any violent, scurrilous or highly abusive term of reproach or other words, or any obscene language... shall be liable to a fine of one hundred and fifty dollars"? What are the implications of not enforcing the Penal Code? (LAW/LIMS/SSOC)
- Predicting violence
Building on the work by Hanna (2005 and unpublished), researchers will model murders in The Bahamas, and produce simulations of the possible future direction of murders in The Bahamas. Is the rise in crime a reflection of the changing demographic character of the population? Violent crimes and burglaries could also be similarly modelled. The underlying question would be what factor(s) need to be addressed to have the greatest negative impact on the number of crimes. (SST/SSOC/LAW)
- Violence and sustainable practices
The example of the fisherman who was allegedly cruel towards a turtle and allegedly threatened a BHS official (on Easter Monday, 2008) indicates that violence towards people and sustainable practices may be linked. Do people who are subjected to violence or practice violence towards humans or non-human "animals", follow sustainable lifestyles and treat the environment with respect? In what ways do people subject to violence, say domestic violence, treat natural resources differently to those who are not? What are the possible long-term implications for the country? (SST/SSOC/SIS)
Publicising the results
In 2011 or 2012, the College could host a one-day seminar at which the results from these studies would be presented to scholars and policy makers. Papers which pass the peer-review process could be included in a special edition of the International Journal of Bahamian Studies devoted to violence.
For more information contact:
Office of Research, Graduate Programmes & International Relations
Oakes Field Shopping Plaza
Telephone: 302-4455
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The College of The Bahamas :: Oakes Field :: P.O. Box N-4912 :: Nassau, The Bahamas :: Tel (242) 302.4300 :: Email cob@cob.edu.bs
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