Cultural Explanations for Violence
Taiwan has in place many social systems that help to remove “shame-inducing” factors from the environment. For example, the most recent social development is the creation of a universal health care system.
Housing policies likewise create a positive social environment and most families can afford to own or rent a home (Taiwan Executive Yuan 1996c). The construction of public libraries, schools, and medical facilities is increasing to meet the needs of society, as is the development of public transportation and the civic infrastructure. On the other hand, work is needed to improve the quality of life on Taiwan, to reduce pollution, and to provide disenfranchised youth with guilt-free career alternatives. Overall though, awareness of pressing social issues continues to grow and politicians are making efforts to better manage public resources. Homelessness and vagrancy is very low and is traditionally resolved within families, leaving religious groups and government organizations as support agencies rather than sources of primary care.The Ministry of Education has addressed the problems of disenfranchised youth by placing emphasis on skills training for students not entering senior high school. Likewise, academic leaders have called for improvements in the education system that will reduce the stress and guilt associated with going to school. Thus, guiltbased behavioral violence will not be a long-term problem, particularly as new professional trade and service schools are built and as higher paying service careers emerge in the private sector.
More perplexing though is the persistence of shame-induced behavioral violence when so much has been done to provide an equitable social base. As discussed, Taiwan’s social system has alleviated many “shame-inducing” factors through the distribution of wealth and the maintenance of health and welfare social programs. The question remains why gangs are becoming more violent as Taiwan becomes a freer and richer consumer society. In general, most people have enough money, most people can get a job, housing is not a problem, the Taiwan family is still strong, and drugs, teenage pregnancy, and divorce are not out of control. So what motivates people to join a gang instead of society? Furthermore, when people join gangs, what makes them so violent?