Validating the Evidence of Violence in Partner Relationships With Regard to Xhosa African Women

Abstract

This article reports on how African women understand the forms and meaning of violence in partner relationships. The findings suggest that many African women experience physical, emotional and economic abuse. Some of the reasons for abuse which emerged include a patriarchal system, alcohol abuse, infidelity and failure to support children financially. The influence of Xhosa African practices on violent partner relationships was explored. The study indicates a need for ethnically sensitive interdisciplinary programmes for social service practitioners, and an effective, accessible legal system for rural women to reduce incidences of abuse.

The relationship between women’s experience of intimate partner violence and other socio-demographic factors, and under-5 children’s health in South Africa

“…South Africa has a notoriously low reporting rate of violence and violent acts [31] and respondents, although having provided consent and been in a private environment, may not have felt comfortable to report such acts to the fieldworker. Furthermore, studies have found that in the South African context women often accept such violence due to a patriarchal system, alcohol abuse, infidelity and failure to support children financially [32].…”

Hurt or Help? Understanding Intimate Partner Violence in the Context of Social Norms as Practised in Rural Areas

“…A number of social norms have been identified that singly or jointly increase the risk of women experiencing IPV. These include cultural and religious practices such as female genital mutilation (Kandala & Komba, 2015); male dominance and superiority over women within families and society (McCloskey et al, 2016); acceptance of wife-beating as a way of 'correcting a stray wife' and a sign of love (Oyediran & Feyisetan, 2017); family privacy and stigma associated with divorce or being unmarried (Matavire, 2012); women's responsibility to maintain a marriage and their reproductive role (Shamu, Abrahams, Zarowsky, Shefer & Temmerman, 2013); social norms surrounding lobola (bride-price) payment, which acts as a compromising factor in IPV tolerance (Mesatywa, 2014); and men's entitlement to sex (Mukanangana, Moyo, Zvoushe & Rusinga, 2014). These social norms have been ingrained in some women in rural areas to such an extent that there is a tolerance of abuse and thus a heightened vulnerability to IPV.…”

“…Furthermore, attributes of masculinity are associated with dominance and aggression, with men holding the decision-making power in marriages (Mesatywa, 2014;Clark et al, 2018). Traditionally lobola (bride-price), referred to as roora in Zimbabwe, has always been regarded as a noble practice that gives status to both men and women.…”

“…The intersection of social norms with other social variables impacts on the struggles and experiences that are linked to the marginalisation of poor women, particularly those residing in rural areas. A study conducted in South Africa with Xhosa women residing in rural areas revealed that the intersection of social norms relating to lobola payment, their poor family background, unemployment because of lack of education and their geographical location means that they have limited access to opportunities and resources contributed to their vulnerability to IPV and limited their ability to escape violent relationships (Mesatywa, 2014). Similarly, a study conducted in Zimbabwe indicated that social norms relating to patriarchy and a husband's conjugal rights following payment of lobola, limited access to knowledge and adherence to a religion that promotes forced marriage heightened women's risk of IPV and limited their chances of leaving abusive relationships (Mukanangana et al, 2014).…”

Ulwaluko: ‘Rights’ of Passage of Gay Men in South Africa

“…Nanda and Warms (2014) suggest that the concept of a 'real man' is a widespread cultural pattern where a man proves to himself that he is now able to 'control' women, is successful in competition with other men, and is aggressive. In line with Nanda and Warms (2014) beliefs of what is a real man, the patriarchal belief system that predominates within the Xhosa culture contributes to the widespread gender-based violence in South Africa (Mesatywa, 2014). Male initiation processes often include rituals where boys are expected to bear physical pain without showing emotions and these rituals are known as part of the rite of passage (Nanda & Warms, 2014).…”