Theoretical Perspectives on the Political Economy of Violence

Abstract

Violence results in great costs to communities throughout the world. This literature review examines how political economists have used political economy theory to understand violence. A brief history of economies and community governance in the Western world illustrates the interactions between economics and politics. Three sets of theories of political economy are described: classical theories, neo-classical theories, and radical theories, with case examples of collective violence and race riots. The review concludes with a conceptual framework designed to inform educators and practitioners.

KEYWORDS:

• Violence
• political economy
• theory