According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have already been more than 240 mass shootings in 2022 in the United States. A striking 98% of Mass Shooters are men. This show asks the question “WHY?” In a fascinating discussion with social psychologist, Dr. Frank T. McAndrew, he draws upon his research and additional findings on Gender, Aggression and Violence to offer answers. Dr. McAndrew begins with a consideration of the innate aggression even early man needed to survive, establish dominance, to mate and protect offspring. Aggression and dominance has always found ways in cultures to establish pecking orders.

Dr. McAndrew distinguishes this with the desperate violence of the mass shooter who rarely holds a place of prominence.. He also distinguishes different motives for Mass Shooters and School Shooters. He underscores that while we account for social factors in Mass Shootings, we often overlook biological factors. He presents a fascinating study that he and colleagues conducted entitled, “ Guns, Testosterone and Aggression” and in the final segment discusses the difference between the way men and women show aggression and the focus on mental illness as a way to disregard other factors like the availability of guns in the tragic violence of Mass Shooters. This is an important show to hear.