Question
How is male violence against women a patriarchal (structural and systemic) phenomenon, not an individual issue?
Answer
Male violence against women is widely recognised as a structural and systemic issue rooted in patriarchal systems, rather than merely an individual problem. This perspective highlights how societal structures and cultural norms perpetuate gender-based violence.
Patriarchal Structures and Gender-Based Violence
Patriarchal Systems: Violence against women is often a consequence of patriarchal structures that grant men authority over women, perpetuating gender inequalities and violating basic human rights (Kumari, Sohail and Benagiano, 2024; Applin, Simpson and Curtis, 2022; Amupitan and Aigbovbioisa, 2024). These systems are deeply embedded in cultural beliefs and practices that prioritize male dominance (Amupitan and Aigbovbioisa, 2024; Mshweshwe, 2020).
Cultural and Traditional Influences: In many societies, cultural norms and traditions reinforce male dominance and contribute to domestic violence. For example, in South Africa, cultural beliefs about masculinity and gender roles are linked to domestic violence (Mshweshwe, 2020). Similarly, in Nigeria, patriarchal practices and a lack of severe punishment for perpetrators contribute to ongoing gender-based violence (Amupitan and Aigbovbioisa, 2024).
Global and Local Perspectives: Across different contexts, from Nigeria to Indonesia, patriarchal ideologies and traditional gender roles are identified as key drivers of violence against women. These ideologies place women in subordinate positions, often leading to their victimization and re-victimization by society (Amupitan and Aigbovbioisa, 2024; Nurnaningsih, 2023).
Systemic Nature of Violence
Structural Drivers: Intimate partner violence (IPV) and other forms of gender-based violence are influenced by structural factors such as gender inequality, socioeconomic conditions, and historical contexts like colonialism (Brown et al., 2022). These factors create environments where violence against women is more prevalent.
Continuum of Violence: Sexual violence, whether in conflict or peace, is seen as part of a continuum of gendered violence rooted in patriarchal structures. This perspective challenges simplistic views that isolate such violence from broader societal inequalities (Kreft, 2020).
Male violence against women is a systemic issue deeply rooted in patriarchal structures and cultural norms. Addressing this violence requires structural interventions that challenge these norms and promote gender equality. Understanding the systemic nature of this violence is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions.
References
Kumari, S., Sohail, R., & Benagiano, G., 2024. New perspectives on fighting violence against women.. International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.15832
Applin, S., Simpson, J., & Curtis, A., 2022. Men Have Gender and Women Are People: A Structural Approach to Gender and Violence. Violence Against Women, 29, pp. 1097 – 1118. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012221104844
Amupitan, R., & Aigbovbioisa, F., 2024. Gender-Based Violence and Patriarchy: Nigeria’s Experience. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2024.806229
Mshweshwe, L., 2020. Understanding domestic violence: masculinity, culture, traditions. Heliyon, 6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05334
Nurnaningsih, N., 2023. Patriarchal Culture, Sexual Violence, and Legal Protection for Women in Indonesia. Veteran Law Review. https://doi.org/10.35586/velrev.v6ispecialissues.5758
Brown, L., Lowe, H., Gibbs, A., Smith, C., & Mannell, J., 2022. High-Risk Contexts for Violence Against Women: Using Latent Class Analysis to Understand Structural and Contextual Drivers of Intimate Partner Violence at the National Level. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38, pp. NP1007 – NP1039. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221086642
Kreft, A., 2020. Civil society perspectives on sexual violence in conflict: patriarchy and war strategy in Colombia. International Affairs, 96, pp. 457-478. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiz257
BBC (2008) ‘Continuing Struggle over Rape Cases’ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7244701.stm, accessed 11th July 2016
Archer, J. (1993) Male Violence, London: Routledge
