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Essay / Theoretical Perspectives on Violence Against Women in Contemporary Society
Table of ContentsIntroductionThe Interconnected Nature of ViolenceEcological FrameworkContemporary Challenges and Future DirectionsConclusionReferencesIntroductionThe issue of violence against women is a complex and multifaceted problem facets that require in-depth examination of various theoretical perspectives to obtain a deeper understanding of its roots and manifestations. This essay aims to expand on key concepts presented in an article on theoretical debates regarding violence against women in Canada. The objective is to analyze how these concepts apply to our daily lives, both on an individual and societal level. Violence, as a pervasive problem, cannot be attributed to a single factor. Instead, it is influenced by a multitude of factors, and this article offers a range of theories to shed light on the complexity of the problem. Theoretical frameworks discussed in this essay encompass psychological process theories, developmental attachment theories, feminist theories, and gender role theories. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayThe interconnected nature of violenceViolence against women is not a single phenomenon but rather a complex web of factors individual and societal. Understanding the interplay between these factors is essential to understanding diverse perspectives on violence. To this end, this article presents a set of theoretical perspectives that illuminate violence from different angles. These perspectives reveal the complex connections between the individual and society, providing insight into the causes and consequences of violence. Ecological Framework The article adopts an ecological framework, proposed by Heise in 1998, which consists of four concentric circles:History PersonalMicrosystemExosystemMacrosystemThis framework helps contextualize an individual's life. life by considering various aspects, such as exposure to violence, substance abuse, low socio-economic status (SES) and the influence of gender norms and masculinity. These factors are interconnected and contribute to the complexity of violence. Individual-Level Theories: The article examines three major individual-level theories that elucidate the root causes of violence: social learning theory, social learning theory, gender roles and developmental attachment theory.Social learning theory: Social learning theory posits that individuals acquire behaviors through observation, rewards, and reinforcements. It highlights the role of intergenerational transmission of violence, suggesting that individuals who witness violence in their primary social ties are more likely to perpetuate violent behavior within subsequent generations. Although this theory offers valuable insights, it risks oversimplifying the relationship between exposure to violence and its manifestation in individuals, without considering gender dynamics and agency. Gender Role Theory: Gender role theory, which dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, explores how society's expectations of masculinity and femininity contribute to inequality. This theory argues that unequal power dynamics arising from gender socialization lead to consequences such as rape. This suggests that violence can be seen as the result of following socially prescribed gender roles. However, gender role theory has been criticized for oversimplifying the complex interactionfactors that contribute to violence, including class, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and culture. Developmental Attachment Theory: Developmental attachment theory is particularly relevant in the contemporary context. It highlights the role of media, the Internet and early socialization in the approval of violence and degradation of women. The theory divides individuals into victims and perpetrators, with victims often experiencing abuse, exposure to violence and rigid beliefs about gender roles. These experiences create a cycle of violence, perpetuated from one generation to the next. While this theory rightly addresses the influence of modern media, it may overlook other factors contributing to violence, such as cultural and religious influences. Feminist Theory: Feminist theory offers a broader perspective on violence against women by integrating intersections of race, class, and gender. hierarchies within broad structural forms. It challenges essentialized notions of femininity and masculinity, emphasizing that the influences of violence affect all genders. Additionally, feminist theory recognizes that gender-based violence is not just the result of conforming to prescribed gender roles, but rather a manifestation of power differences in society. However, it also recognizes that gender-based violence is influenced by various factors and that the experience of violence varies among individuals due to social class, race, ethnicity, orientation sexuality and culture. Contemporary Challenges and Future Directions While the theoretical perspectives discussed in this article provide valuable insights into violence against women, they may require refinement and adaptation to meet contemporary challenges. The 21st century has marked the beginning of new forms of violence, such as cyberbullying, facilitated by technological advances. Additionally, societal attitudes and legislation have evolved to recognize the importance of addressing violence comprehensively. Technological Advances and Cyberbullying: The advent of the Internet and social media has given rise to new forms of violence, including cyberbullying. Although the article primarily focuses on traditional forms of violence, it is essential to recognize the impact of online violence on individuals and society. The digital domain has become a platform for perpetuating violence, requiring an exploration of underlying factors and potential solutions. allowing them to inquire about an individual's history of domestic violence. This legislative change recognizes the importance of transparency and informed decision-making. However, it also raises questions about how these laws may influence individuals' perceptions of violence, action, and responsibility. Cultural and Religious Influences: Contemporary society has become increasingly diverse, with cultural and religious influences playing an important role in shaping perceptions of violence. It is essential to consider the impact of cultural norms and religious beliefs on individuals' attitudes and behaviors in the face of violence. This dimension adds complexity to the theoretical frameworks discussed in the article. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Addressing contemporary challenges related to violence against women requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Sociologists, psychologists, lawyers and policy makers must work together to develop