Abstract
Evidence-based programs are needed to engage men and boys that encourage the transformation of concepts of masculinity that uphold patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study explores the constructs of masculinity and male gender norms surrounding sexual attitudes and IPV among men and boys living in Rakai, Uganda. Between April and August 2017, we conducted 38 interviews and 5 focus group discussions with men and boys aged 15 to 49 years and 4 focus groups with key stakeholders to understand how male use of violence is influenced by personal, community, and society-level concepts of masculinity. We adapted 2 constructs of masculinities, reputation and respectability, in the analysis to examine masculinities in relation to IPV in the rural Ugandan setting. Findings suggest men and boys upheld 2 types of masculinities: respectability versus reputation. Masculine attributes related to respectability (referred to as "responsible men") included having a job, house, wife, and many children and taking care of family. Masculine attributes related to reputation (referred to as "cool men") included having sexual prowess, multiple sexual partners, and the resources to buy nice things. Both masculine norms were used to justify dominance over women and IPV. The divergence of masculinity was observed among youth and young adults who participated in a gender-transformative program, suggesting the effectiveness of the program. The gender-transformative approach should provide men and boys a chance to reflect on dynamic, often conflicting, images of a man and should empower individuals to renegotiate and reconceptualize masculine norms. This critical reflection on masculinity, which resonates with men and boys, needs to be included when engaging men within HIV and IPV prevention programs.
Highlights
Evidence-based programs are needed to engage men and boys that encourage the transformation of concepts of masculinity that uphold patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV)
We described the internal complexity of masculine norms in Rakai by organizing study findings according to 2 masculinity constructs— “respectability” and “reputation”—as shown in the analytical framework (Figure)
Both men and boys reported that they were inspired to practice values aligned with attributes related to respectability, but they described how attributes related to reputation were desired among their male peer groups. Both masculine norms were associated with the justification of dominance over women and IPV perpetration in situations involving gendered power dynamics
Summary
Evidence-based programs are needed to engage men and boys that encourage the transformation of concepts of masculinity that uphold patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV). Masculine attributes related to reputation (referred to as “cool men”) included having sexual prowess, multiple sexual partners, and the resources to buy nice things. Both masculine norms were used to justify dominance over women and IPV. Discussion: The gender-transformative approach should provide men and boys a chance to reflect on dynamic, often conflicting, images of a man and should empower individuals to renegotiate and reconceptualize masculine norms. This critical reflection on masculinity, which resonates with men and boys, needs to be included when engaging men within HIV and IPV prevention programs. 30% of all women aged 15 years and older experience IPV at least once in their lifetime and 31% of men report lifetime perpetration.[3,4] IPV is the leading cause of homicide in women and is associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes, as well as increased risk for injury, Examining Masculinities to Inform Gender-Transformative Violence Prevention Programs www.ghspjournal.org emotional trauma, depression, and suicide.[3,5,6]
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