Gender-Based Violence and Narratives of Male Perpetrators of Violence

• In Event: Gender, Crime and Justice Working Group Panel 1: Emotions work in gendered violence

Abstract

There are many dimensions of violence including physical, psychological, economic, and emotional. When violence against women is taken into consideration, it is worth investigating the impact of the definitions of the social position of women, the social meanings of femininity and masculinity, and the tension created by the roles of femininity and masculinity on individuals, especially with the effect of gender roles and behaviour patterns. In particular, the impact of the perpetrator of violence on the meanings and definitions that men attribute to femininity and masculinity, their attitudes, and perceptions towards gender roles in terms of the legitimization of the act of violence is a matter of curiosity. In addition, the dimensions of the tension created by changing social life and transforming gender roles on men are also worthy of research in this context. In this framework, the impact of socio-cultural and economic changes/transformations on the agenda of violence against women is important. Another area needed to be discussed is whether the change in traditional roles and expectations caused by the changing status of women has led to a new crisis of masculinity or not. It is discussed how images of femininity are shaped in men’s narratives, their definitions of violence, and the dynamics that create and sustain violence against women. Also, how images of femininity are shaped in men’s narratives, their definitions of violence, and the dynamics that create and sustain violence against women are examined. The main question of the study is: “What are the perceptions of masculinity and definitions of violence against women by men who perpetrate violence?” The study consists of 30 male perpetrators of violence. The findings were obtained through qualitative research method in which face-to-face interviews were analysed and discussed thematically.

Authors

• Hale Nur Tuncay, Akdeniz University

• Gonul Demez, Akdeniz University