Understanding domestic violence: masculinity, culture, traditions

Abstract

Domestic violence in South Africa is a consequence of the complex interplay of patriarchy, culture, and the negative masculine construct. The patriarchal cultural beliefs and traditions that emphasise on male assertiveness and domination of women influence the constructions of masculinity and reinforce domestic violence. The goal of this article was to highlight a relationship between culture, constructions of masculinity, and domestic violence in South Africa. Through adopting an African feminist lens, this paper unpacks how structures of patriarchy manifest in the traditional African context in which many men in South Africa construct and perform their masculinity and the embodied meaning attached to it. The paper argues that gender hierarchy and normative masculine and feminine roles prevalent in most South African cultures have implications for domestic violence. It argues that the inflexible gender hierarchy, which is enforced through culture and the dominant position of men in the home influence domestic violence. The article concludes that attempts to address domestic violence in South Africa must focus on changing patriarchal cultural norms and promote peaceful masculinity.

Perception of domestic violence among rural women in Kuje

“…However, family and religion should help educate men to love, regard and treat women well as human beings regardless of payment of bride price or early marriage. Just like in South Africa where Mshweshwe (2020) found that domestic violence is a consequence of the interplay of patriarchy, culture and male masculinity, the same is the case in rural Nigeria. However, in Nigeria the rural women sometimes do not perceive domestic abuse or other violent acts against them as a crime.…”

“…The occurrence of violence is as important as its recognition or perceptions among the members of a society and the police ( Yalley and Olutayo, 2020 ). Often times culture and religion covers some violent practices usually against women in the society from being seen as what it is-violence against women ( Mshweshwe, 2020 ). The fear of going against the culture, traditional and religion of the community cripples the ability to see domestic violence as violence by the weak and vulnerable members of the society ( Mshweshwe, 2020 ).…”

“…Often times culture and religion covers some violent practices usually against women in the society from being seen as what it is-violence against women ( Mshweshwe, 2020 ). The fear of going against the culture, traditional and religion of the community cripples the ability to see domestic violence as violence by the weak and vulnerable members of the society ( Mshweshwe, 2020 ). When violence is justified by culture and religion, it becomes accepted and tolerated by members of the society.…”

“…Men see women as objects of sexuality ment to serve them, without regards to the needs and aspirations of women as human beings. Patriarchy in African society encourages male dominance of women at all times and in all things ( Mshweshwe, 2020 ). This system has made women to accept their precarious position in the society and its consequences as normal.…”

“…Men also make and enforce the norms and rules guiding social interactions in a society. Men use their masculinity to over power and subdue women ( Mshweshwe, 2020 ). Women sometimes are not part of the justice delivery mechanisms in a rural community like Kuje and other rural communities in Nigeria ( M'Cormack, 2018 ; Mule, 2018 ; Begum and Saha, 2017 ).…”