Men’s Perceptions of Violence against Women: Improving Cultural Literacy for Combating Violence within Family

Abstract

While research evidence exists about Jordanian men’s perceptions and attitudes about violence against women (VAW), there is a scientific gap for addressing VAW as a Jordanian cultural norm. This study aimed to describe Jordanian men’s perceptions and attitudes toward VAW, leading factors for VAW, and strategies to combat VAW. A qualitative descriptive design was used with 14 Jordanian men and semi-structured interviews. Nine themes emerged: men’s definitions of VAW, men’s beliefs and attitudes about VAW, men’s feelings toward VAW, intensifying factors for VAW, men’s justification for women staying in abusive relationships, the hazardous impact of VAW, experience of using violence against wives, men’s strategies for combating VAW, and absence or limited role of services for victims of VAW. Men in many cultures including Jordan inherit structured patriarchal ideology, which gives men the perceived right to control women and to manage familial conflict. Inherited cultural beliefs about male roles within families should be restructured by collaborating with community stakeholders to combat VAW.

Critical-emancipatory educational intervention through games to face gender violence

“…Violence was understood as a way of resolving family conflicts and disciplining bad behavior that disfavors male power. Participants suggested the education and counseling of men as actions to face the problem ( 26 ) . A systematic review on assessing interventions to reduce violence against women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa found that including men in community workshops on changing beliefs and gender norms made it possible to reduce violence ( 27 ) .…”

Intervenção educativa crítico-emancipatória por meio de jogo para enfrentamento da violência de gênero

“…A violência foi entendida como maneira de resolver conflitos familiares e disciplinar os maus comportamentos que desfavorecem o poder masculino. Os participantes sugeriram a educação e o aconselhamento dos homens como ações para o enfrentamento do problema (26) . Revisão sistemática, sobre a avaliação de intervenções para reduzir a violência contra mulheres e meninas na África Subsaariana, constatou que a inclusão dos homens em oficinas comunitárias sobre a mudança de crenças e normas de gênero possibilitou a redução da violência (27) .…”

Intimate partner violence and quality of life among mothers in Jordan during COVID-19 era

“…In the past, the impact of the IPV on women’s health was given little attention in analysis [ 9 ]. Evaluating specific types of abuse and their impact on the well-being of women is essential because different acts of violence have different effects on women [ 9 , 10 ]. More insight into the impact of IPV on the well-being of mothers is needed [ 11 ].…”

“…The investigation of the association between IPV and the quality of life of mothers in Jordan is particularly significant due to the country’s unique social and cultural, legal, and economic environment [ 9 ]. Here are some specific reasons why such a study is necessary in Jordan.…”