Intersections between disability, masculinities, and violence: experiences and insights from men with physical disabilities from three African countries

Abstract

Background Gender-transformative work in the Global South often focuses on transforming ‘toxic masculinities’ to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV), but there has been little research on whether and how constructions of masculinities by men with disabilities shape their experiences and perpetration of violence. Methods We used repeated in-depth interviews and content analysis to understand whether and how physical disability intersects with the construction of masculinities and experience/perpetration of violence among 15 adult men with physical disabilities participating in interventions to prevent IPV in Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa. Results Societal expectations and participants’ aspirations around masculinity impacted their vulnerability to violence mainly by men without disabilities. Participants reported experiences of disrespect and social exclusion in their communities and felt incapable of protecting themselves when being violated. Most participants felt they were not providing for their families and perceived themselves as having lost decision-making and positions of power in their homes. They expressed their disappointment with having reduced stamina, virility, and sexual prowess in intimate partnerships as a result of their disability. While participants reported that they could not attain key markers of idealized masculinity, placed upon and often internalized by themselves, they longed to achieve these markers to facilitate their inclusion and acceptance in their communities. Conclusions Programmers addressing violence need to engage with men with physical disabilities and consider the intersectionality of masculinities and disability, how these reinforce patriarchal norms and how men with disabilities can be included and enabled to overcome their conflict between disability and masculinities.

Protect and Provide: Perceptions of Manhood and Masculinities Among Disabled Violently Injured Black Men in a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program

“…Mobility limitations can affect a man’s perception of his physical strength, independence, and ability to protect oneself from harm. Sikweyiya and colleagues’ (2022) interviews with 15 men with physical disabilities identified perceptions of diminished respect from others, loss of decision-making and status in household, as well as reduced stamina and sexual performance. Our sample reported impaired mobility impacting employment, while multiple participants reported physical pain as a barrier to mobility after firearm injury.…”

Differences between persons with and without disability in HIV prevalence, testing, treatment, and care cascade in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study using population-based data

“…Examples of such interventions include HIV testing in the communities and homes, self-testing, implementing HIV testing and care incentives, shifting gender norms and practices to increase men's access of HIV services, and promoting male-friendly health services (30,31). Men with disability may require support to address the deprivation, social exclusion, stigma and discrimination, ridicule, and verbal threats of violence they may face from men without disabilities and other members of the community (32). These factors may prevent men with disability from accessing HIV services and having their HIV viral load suppressed.…”

“…These factors may prevent men with disability from accessing HIV services and having their HIV viral load suppressed. Support towards men with disability could include access to suitable and functioning assistive devices to enhance independent mobility and participation in community activities, enhanced personal capability to provide for oneself and family (32).…”

Violence in rural areas against disabled people from the perspective of their families

“…Experiences of disrespect, ridicule, humiliation and social discrimination are often reported by DP in their communities, resulting in shame, fear and self-stigma ( 30 ) . Faced with the looks, laughter and mockery of people in the community, they feel uncomfortable and hesitate to participate in sociocultural activities ( 10 , 31 ) .…”