Robert Heinlein once posed a question:

[ismnotwasm]

1. An good 'ol Heinlein

I used to be such a fan.

Your phrase "institutionialization of violence" is the key here. As much as people want to deny it, in the long run, the government *is* "the people" --at least in government where there is choice, and history tell us what happens when you take choice away for too long.

--As an aside, in first world nations, so much is taken for granted as regards to "leisure time", as well as time-saving measures, from things as simple as buying, not milling flour, to riding a bus instead of walking, or in cases of the old-time wealthier, riding a horse. This free time is important because we can then focus our attention an other things, and we tend to do so in a lackadaisical manner--in other words, The Revolution will be televised--

It's very easy to condemn certain kinds of violence, especially government violence (war, or military intervention) While remaining entirely unaware how it may have a backhanded benefit--for simplicities sake, I'll say oil prices. That doesn't stop us from filling up our tanks, nor to we give much thought to the complexities that drive oil prices up and down. Blood and death is often involved. What we won't do, besides shake our fists, is make the more difficult choices that will reduce oil demand (This is also complex, as it involves organic plastics in all its forms) at least not in any real way that matters--although I'm thrilled for President Obama's Moving forward on climate action and energy sources. This is a case of proper governing, because it will offer a pathway to make better--and easier--choices.

Violence isn't always a pathological response, but the habit of war I believe is a pathological one. What to do about it is more difficult as we have powerful warrior cultures across the world.

As far as it being a male one, not when we teach our males differently--there have always been violent females and gentle males.

I don't believe in "alpha" males--just bigger assholes, and human being are attracted to wealth because of the leisure and comfort it brings. Women are statistically poorer.