Voices of Men: Masculinities, Intimate Partner Violence, and Pets

• In Event: Theoretical Perspectives in Critical Criminology

Abstract

Masculinities theory has been used to explain intimate partner violence (IPV). Men can and do use violence to do masculinity, to feel powerful, in one sphere of life when they experience an inability to do masculinity in other spheres of life (Anderson & Umberson, 2001; Anderson, 2009). This includes violence against vulnerable or less powerful others, such as women and animals. However, masculinities theory can also be used to explain the absence of violence against animals in the context of IPV. Appealing to hegemonic masculine norms (e.g., breadwinner or protector roles), men who may perform their masculinity in a negative way against their partners, may also perform their masculinity in a positive way with their companion animals. Doing gender in the context of IPV is not universal; abusive men are a heterogeneous group.
Highlighting this heterogeneity through a masculinities lens, the current research explores how men who have been abusive towards their intimate partners, as well as men who have not been abusive, perceive their relationships with the companion animals in their lives as well as their intimate partners. Implications for both domestic violence intervention programs as well as broader criminal justice system policy will be discussed.

Author

• Rochelle Stevenson, University of Windsor