Review
“Examining a widely recognized but little-studied program, Bachman has ambitious goals in this book. She applies both quantitative and qualitative methods to the study of homicide, family violence, and suicide on Native American reservations. To accomplish this, the author weaves human stories collected from personal interviews with statistical methods common to standard sociological analyses. The insights gained from this combination of approaches are then used to construct a model of Native American homicide. This model links socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, alcoholism, and family breakdown with a lack of cultural identity that Bachman attributes to a long history of internal colonialism. She is successful in her attempts to unite the two methodological approaches and provides valid direction for future policies, but as might be expected, has tackled too large a topic to be dealt with in one short book. Her presentation of the problem, although never appearing simplistic, lacks the depth that the topic requires. Given the paucity of work in this field, however, Bachman's book is a welcome addition to the literature. Advanced undergraduate; graduate; faculty; preprofessional; professional.”–Choice
“Bachman, an analyst with the US Justice Department, combines quantitative and qualitative data, fieldwork, and personal narratives, to illustrate the character and possible causes of violence among Native Americans. She also makes a variety of policy recommendations. Should interest readers involved either with Indians or other minorities, or with criminology.”–Reference & Research Book News
“One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the extensive material from in-depth interviews with American Indian male inmates and women from battered women's shelters.”–Contemporary Sociology
“Bachman, an analyst with the US Justice Department, combines quantitative and qualitative data, fieldwork, and personal narratives, to illustrate the character and possible causes of violence among Native Americans. She also makes a variety of policy recommendations. Should interest readers involved either with Indians or other minorities, or with criminology.”–
“One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the extensive material from in-depth interviews with American Indian male inmates and women from battered women's shelters.”–
Product Description
Using fieldwork as well as quantitative and qualitative research, Bachman considers the sad and understudied condition of American Indians, from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Focusing on violence and its causes, the volume pays particular attention to homicide, suicide, and family violence. The destructive impact of alcohol and other addictive substances are documented. Bachman effectively uses personal stories and narratives given by American Indians to illustrate the living reality behind the statistics she presents. The book concludes with a variety of policy recommendations.
