Understanding Violence: Dr. Gwen Adshead's First Reith Lecture
In this episode of Crime Time, Inc., we delve into the first of four Reith Lectures by Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Adshead. Titled 'Is Violence Normal?' this lecture explores the complexities surrounding human violence. Dr. Adshead, who has extensive experience working in prisons and high-security hospitals like Broadmoor, argues that violence is a part of human nature and is influenced by various social and individual factors. She challenges the conventional notion of profiling typical killers and urges us to understand the relational contexts and risk factors that lead to violence. Using the analogy of a bicycle lock, she explains how different risk factors combine to unlock violent behaviour. Dr. Adshead highlights the importance of responsibility and the dangers of normalising violence through media and societal narratives. The discussion also touches on the role of mental illness, the potential for rehabilitation, and the need for nuanced approaches to preventing violence. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that pushes us to reconsider our assumptions about violence and its perpetrators.
00:00 Introduction to the Reith Lectures
00:42 Overview of Dr. Gwen Adshead's Lectures
00:54 Is Violence Normal?
01:40 Understanding the Roots of Violence
03:30 The Bicycle Lock Analogy
04:28 Neutralization and Responsibility
06:19 Challenging the Concept of Evil
13:41 Rehabilitation and Change
15:24 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
About Crime Time Inc.
Crime Time Inc. is hosted by Tom and Simon—two ex-cops with decades of frontline experience and zero tolerance for fluff. Tom, a by-the-book former Deputy Chief Constable from Edinburgh, and Simon, a rule-bending ex-undercover cop from Glasgow, bring sharp insight, dark humour, and plenty of East vs. West banter to every episode.
Whether they’re revisiting cases they worked on, grilling fellow former officers, or picking apart narrated true crime stories, Tom and Simon don’t just talk about crime—they’ve lived it. Real cases. Real cops. Real talk.
Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/
If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.
Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.
http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.