Quote Originally Posted by Taunton Blue Genie View Post
It's not as absolute as that though, is it? We have already seen in recent decades that changes in society can affect the behaviour of some people even if it is only be degree in some cases. I don't have any facts or statistics to back it up but I would imagine that violent punishment of children by parents has reduced since the sixties - and violence experienced as a child often leaves an imprint that itself may beget violence. In recent years I have assisted in an infants school (helping kids to read) and I have attended a college for evening classes - and just from the very prominent posters and notice boards in both it is obvious that children and young people are being taught to not be concerned about being different and to respect other children they come across who may be different in one way or another.
I think it's all healthy stuff compared to the environment that many of us were brought up in during the sixties where some of us were beaten at home, caned at school and very rarely had a female boss. Bullying was also rife and, in my immediate circle of contacts, very often the worst proponents came from violent homes and/or those who felt like outsiders or inferior in some respects.
It is becoming more unacceptable for males to be dominant in relationships and marriage, which also helps. (I have a friend who delivers courses on such subjects in the Solomon Islands where wife-beating is still very rife).
Yes, some murderers will still murder and some rapists will rape - but to think that the only answer is punishment after the event is not something I could agree with.
If I've understood your point you're saying that children have never had it so good e.g. no corporal punishment, more inclusion, less bullying. Yet despite all of that the incidents of violent crime and murder per million has increased since the 1960s.

And FWIW, I'm not saying punishment is the only solution. My comment was around the likes of Peter Sutcliffe and this copper who, imho, are predisposed to commit these acts because they are narcissistic and lack empathy for their victims or wider society and don't really see what they are doing as being wrong.