Men’s conceptualization of gender-based violence directed to women in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background Gender-based violence (GBV) is a crucial global public health challenge disenfranchising women and girls from enjoying their fundamental human rights, thereby threatening their well-being. While the concept of GBV does not imply that violence is always unidirectional, literature shows that women and girls are the most common victims of this type of violence. One in three women, globally, have suffered physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner. Evidence has shown that a number of women who experience GBV varies widely, with 37% being in Eastern Mediterranean, 37.7% in South-East Asia, 29.8% in America, 36.6% in Africa, 44% in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and 53% in South Africa. Methods Using a semi-structured face-to-face interview with fifteen conveniently sampled adult males, who met the selection criteria, this study explored men’s conceptualisation of GBV in Alexandra Township, using qualitative research methods. Results Socio-economic factors and evolving cultural dynamics were perceived to be among the key factors aggravating gender-based violence. Participants viewed poverty and substance abuse as the main causes of violence towards women, a phenomenon tied to the growing frustration emanating from men’s inability to provide for their families. Cultural factors related to the patriarchal system and diminishing value of respect between men and women were identified as root causes of GBV. The participants also blamed the government for what they considered to be “too many rights” for women, resulting in men exerting their authority through abuse. Participants also expressed concerns over feminisation of GBV, asserting that men fall prey to GBV too. Partner infidelity and insecurities also contributed to GBV. Conclusion The study results provided important insights on how men conceptualize GBV in Alexandra Township, South Africa. These results revealed that socio-economic conditions, alongside some gender stereotypes are pervasive and shape how men view GBV in Alexandra Township. This evidence is necessary for developing interventions aimed at curbing GBV and may also be suggestive of the need to redesign programmes targeting men, so that certain stereotypes can be uprooted.

Sexual harassment as a gender inequality and a form of workplace discrimination: A South African perspective

“…Adams et al (2013) argue that SH involves power imbalance and gender inequality. Consequently, women seem incapable of escaping from the clashes of SH due to existing social and gender inequalities and societal norms that perpetuate violence against women (Adams et al, 2013; Zinyemba and Hlongwana, 2022). In the McGregor case , the court held as followsSexual harassment occurs at the intersection of gender and power, producing a potent stench of subordination, disempowerment and inequality that so seeps through the fabric of our society that it stains its core (McGregor case para 47).…”

“…Flowing from this, it is not surprising that SH is made up of three vital dimensions as seen above namely; gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion (Burn, 2019; Fitzgerald et al, 1995: 430–432). These factors inform the prevailing power inequalities within gender relations that frequently favour men and thus enable patriarchal attitudes (Zinyemba and Hlongwana, 2022). Therefore, SH as a form of gender discrimination is underpinned by the sexist ideology of male dominance and male superiority (Adams et al, 2013: 1153).…”

“…Ramsaroop and Parumasur (2007: 25), avers that SH often results in emotional and psychological trauma that culminates into an offensive, intimidating and hostile working environment for the victim and impedes productivity and social interactions within the organisation. Zinyemba and Hlongwana (2022) assert that gender-based violence have intense and long-lasting effects on the survivor’s mental health, such as anxiety, increased peril of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Hence, in the case of Liberty Group Limited v Masango ([2017] ZALAC 107), which involved the vicarious liability of the employer (Liberty Group Limited) for failure to take reasonable steps in terms of s60(3) of the EEA to protect the respondent (Ms Masango) from sexual harassment perpetrated by Mr Mosesi who was her manager.…”

Perceptions and conceptualizations of gender‐based violence: The case of Northern Ghana

“…On the other hand, women are placed in subordinate positions and are expected to comply or face punishment. Zinyemba and Hlongwana (2022) argue that sociocultural norms tend to favor uneven gender power relations, resulting in disadvantages for women, thus illustrating women's susceptibility to gendered violence.…”

Examining Reporting of Gender-Based Violence Incidents by Men in Intimate Relationships in Zambia: A Case Study of Chilenje Township

“…Research by Douglas & Hines (2011), revealed that a number of men who have reached out to domestic abuse hotlines or agencies experienced a variety of negative responses like agencies only help women and men were ignored and treated as perpetrators. Male victims who experience such type of unfair treatment are most likely not going to report future cases of violence and intensify their feelings of helplessness, isolation and nowhere to go for support (Zinyemba & Hlongwana, 2022). Furthermore, throughout history a good number of work that surrounds exploring men's experiences in abusive situations have always tilted towards the influence that it has on impairing societal expectations and the stereotypes surrounding masculinity as being important (Malik & Nadda, 2019;Yagi et al, 2022).…”