Checkmating the mate: power relations and domestic violence in a South African township

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe ideas of ‘ownership’, ‘control’ and ‘love’ among people in intimate relationships, are often woven into the discourse of power relations. In this culture, a man owns his family and this sense of ownership results in control – erroneously seen as love for his family. For those who subscribe to this notion of relationship, the concept of partner-abuse hardly exists – in fact, it is constructed within the gamut of discipline, love and care. This article explores the concept of power – ‘residual’ and ‘active’ power – and examines how either exercising or non-exercising these forms of power structures affects intimate relationships. It draws on a large study of domestic violence conducted in Mamelodi Township, a black neighbourhood in Pretoria, South Africa. It aims to unravel the central place of power relations in the commission of domestic violence – a scourge in South Africa. The article asks: ‘How do women understand and mediate power and control between themselves and within their relationship with their partners?’ The study situated individual women’s experiences as a central point. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and observation, and qualitative data was employed in its analysis.