DOVE director discusses socio-emotional development, violence, and crime in UFMG podcast

In a recent episode of the CRISP podcast by the Federal University of Minas Gerais, DOVE director Joseph Murray discussed socio-emotional development, violence, and crime. Murray talked about his academic journey, including his PhD at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge, where he studied the impact of parental incarceration on children’s development. He highlighted the differences in effects depending on the social environment and prison system in some European countries like England.

Bringing his perspectives to Brazil, Murray integrated the study of crime and violence with the Pelotas Birth Cohorts. The interview covered findings from the research in Pelotas, such as studies on victimization, the impact of violence on mental health, and the determinants of aggressive behaviour in children. Murray emphasized the similarities between Brazilian and English studies, emphasizing the importance of early interventions and support programs for parents. However, he also recognized Brazil’s complex social dynamics, including inequalities, health system issues, and police violence. He advocated for a multidimensional approach that considers the population’s perception of state institutions when addressing crime and violence in the country. The interview offered valuable insights into the complexities of criminology and violence in Brazil and stressed the need for evidence-based approaches. Click here to access the full episode (available only in Portuguese).