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Violence Against Women: The Sociological Perspective Of Violence Against Women

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Violence Against Women: The Sociological Perspective Of Violence Against Women
Introduction
Violence against women refers to acts that target women exclusively, resulting in physical or emotional harm or the loss of their liberty, through threats, coercion, physical or sexual assault. It cannot be seen as the actions of a deranged individual, but as an interplay of varying socio-cultural institutions, historical preconditions and societal change, which shapes attitudes towards women. This essay seeks to understand violence against women through the lens of the sociological imagination, which situates private, gendered troubles within a broader, socio-cultural milieu that qualifies as public issues (Lemert, 1999).

Situating private troubles within public issues
In understanding violence against women, the sociological imagination necessitates an examination of societal factors such as traditional gender roles, which is characterised by a hierarchical distinction between the sexes and the differential treatment of males and females with regards to responsibilities in work situations and the family. Gender roles outline a scripted set …show more content…
While market forces driving the employment of women are comparatively more egalitarian as compared to prevailing patriarchal beliefs, it has also brought men from patriarchal cultures to work alongside women, leading to incidences of violence against women (Deb, 2011). Female labour force participation has also led to a subsequent loss of male control over women as their economic capital made them less reliant on their husbands, who may perceive this as a threat to their masculinity and authority. As such, modernity has caused a shift in the role of women in society, which disturbs existing power dynamics within households and relationships. Therefore, violence against women is a reaction towards modernity and a social repercussion arising from the breach of cultural
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