Existence and Abuse of Unequal Power as a Factor of Violence by Men against Women - Term Paper Example

Critically Discuss The Claim That The Existence And Abuse Of Unequal Power Is A Factor In Violence By Men Against Women? Table of Contents Introduction 3 Eggerichs, E. Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; the Respect He Desperately Needs. Thomas Nelson Inc, US, 2004, pp. 22-60. 3 Critical Discussion of the Claim 4 Arguments in Favour of the Claim 9 Counter-Arguments in Opposition to the Claim 12 Brief Presentation of Instances Supporting the Claim 16 Conclusion and Recommendation 19 References 21 Introduction Contemporary society has changed significantly over the years owing to the development of technology and science in an extensive manner within the global platform. The lifestyle and perceptions of people has also changed significantly in the present day scenario as compared to the traditional days. In this regard, change in the role of women within the society can be regarded as one of the most prominent transformations. It is evident that women in the present day society are bestowed with similar opportunities and respect as compared to men1. There role is not limited only towards taking care of the household works and children, rather it has increased to professional roles and responsibilities as well. Women are provided with equal opportunities as compared to men in terms of using their skills and abilities to reach new heights in numerous professions2. However, there are certain perceptions and prevailing misconceptions that give rise to questions relevant to the changing role of women in the contemporary society. This can apparently be depicted by the aspect that at one hand women are provided with equal opportunities as men and on the other hand the same has been treated awfully within the society. This aspect can further be justified from the fact that women are the continuous victims of violence and unjust behaviour from the end of men. As per the global data (explained in detail in the later part) about the increasing number of incidents relevant to women violence by men, the numbers are increasing with every passing year. This aspect also shows that equal rights and social positioning of women is still quite uncertain in the society. It has been learnt that that violence against women by men can be of several categories which includes rape, domestic violence as well as sexual harassment among others. This sort of violence that is depicted by men against women is due to the adherence of some cultural and traditional customs, which can be in the form of honour killings, dowry violence as well as female genital mutilation among others3. Furthermore, violence against women also includes women trafficking and forced prostitution, which is prevalent in various nations of the world. Though there prevail are numerous policies for protecting women against any sort of social injustice and inequality, the practical practice of the same in an extensive manner is yet to be determined. This particular aspect of violence against women in the contemporary society by men has its roots embedded with the history of mankind. In this regard, it can be said that any sort of violence against women such as sexual assault and rape are left unreported due to societal norms and stigma involved with such issues. All these factors depicts that the society is largely male dominated right from the olden days till the present day scenario and the same is reflected from the increasing incidents of women violence by men globally. This aspect further gives rise to the claim that the existence and abuse of unequal power is a factor in violence by men against women. This particular claim will be critically evaluated in this particular essay by taking into consideration both supporting and contradictory facts with the help of secondary literatures, journals and articles. Critical Discussion of the Claim As discussed, in the present day society, individuals irrespective of their gender are provided with equal opportunities in various domains. Both men and women are bestowed with equal opportunities to excel in any domain on the basis of their skills and abilities, but not on grounds of their gender. This aspect can be justified from the fact that women in the present day scenario are involved in every sector and correspondingly they are moving in parallel with the men within the society. However, it is often claimed that owing to the prevalence of unequal power within the society, violence against women by men has increased substantially. It is also argued that owing to the physical strength along with inequality that prevails amid men and women, the latter is seen as inferior by the former. In order to provide a better conclusion about the aforesaid aspects, various secondary research studies, articles and literature would be vital to be taken into consideration4. As per the report published by WHO (2014), violence against women is one of the most vital global issues in the present day scenario. The issue has become prevalent in various nations of the world. As per the statistics presented within the report, the violence against women can be in the form of intimate violence by partner or husband, sexual violence and physical violence among others. It has also been learnt that around 35% of the women worldwide has experienced violence by their partner or husband. In similar regard, a staggering 30% of the women have dealt with physical as well as sexual violence in the past years. The consequence of violence against women by men can also be quite lethal and reports justify the same. The figures published in the report of WHO (2014) stated that around 38% of women commit suicide or being murdered by their partners. A large proportion of women who are victims of domestic violence had to deal with severe health complications, which further affect them negatively to a greater extent altogether5. All these figures expresses the extent to which, women are being humiliated by men in the contemporary society. Furthermore, the report also suggests that violence against women by men can impact them by deteriorating their mental, physical, sexual as well as reproductive health to a certain extent. It has also been comprehended that many of the victims of domestic violence also become prone to HIV and other chronic diseases. These aspects further affirm the claim that certain factor ensures violence of men against women to a wider extent. In similar regard, the report of Feminist (n.d.) would also be crucial to consider. Notably, as the investigation of FBI, on an average, around 102,555 numbers of women are victims of other sexual assault by men. Furthermore, more than 50% of the women who are homeless in the United States are deemed to be a result of domestic violence from the end of men. Apart from the physical, sexual and domestic violence, violence by initiate partners of women is also deemed to be extensively prevalent in the present day scenario6. These aspects further affirmed that women are increasingly becoming victims of domestic violence by men in various parts of the world. However, the reasons for such extreme level of injustice against women in the present day society would also crucial to be taken into consideration. In the regard, the report of the United Nations Population Funds (n.d.) gender based biasness in terms of power of men and women is also a prime reason for the prevalence of such social injustice i.e. violence against women by men. Owing to their physical strength along with positioning within the modern day society, men act to be more powerful than women and hence they depict themselves to be inferior as compared to men. This aspect many a times influences men to show unjust attitude and behaviour towards women, which further result in the physical and sexual violence. The violent approach of men towards women not only impacts the physical, mental and sexual health of women negatively but it also ensures violation of the basic human rights of women within the society. This aspect proves that though equal legal policies prevail for both men and women in every nation, the aspect of women violence by men is still widely prevalent7. This also shows the lack of proper practice of the law and the mentality of society towards women. Again, as per the report of United Nation Human Rights (n.d.) women violence by men has become a serious concern in the global domain owing to the increasing number of incidents associated with this particular issue. Contextually, the report stated about the urgent need of the formation and practice of policies relevant to equality, security as well as liberty in common for both men and women. The report also depicted that women must be treated with dignity by men so that a balanced society can prevail. However, in the absence of effective implementation of the formed legal policies relevant to women, these aspects deemed to be less prevalent8. Furthermore, the report of Council of Europe (2013) also provided a clearer understanding of the reasons owing to which violence against women by men has rapidly increased. Through analysis of the report it can be claimed that violence against women by men in the society is largely owing to unequal power for the two genders along with the domination of men over women that continued to exist right from the ancient days. Due to the misconception of the men that they are superior to women gave rise to such domestic and sexual violence in the society. This aspect further results in a power relation between men and women where the latter is seen as inferior than the former. These aspects gave rise to incidents of physical, psychological and sexual violence by men against women. Furthermore, due to the prevalence of unequal opportunities for men and women with regard to gender differentiation, domestic violence against women by men augments in a considerable manner. Hence, it can be affirmed that misconception of men with regard to their power within the society as compared to women further influenced the former to involve in violent activities against the latter9. This also shows that direct and indirect discrimination amid men and women on the basis of their gender has further paved the way for women violence within the present day society. Women are being discriminated and discouraged in the society due to the negative effect of gender role. The report of International Planned Parenthood Federation (n.d.) also provided vital insights on the role of inequality amid men and women in triggering women violence by men in the society. As per the report, gender inequality is one of the primary causes for the existence of such injustice against women. Discrimination amid men and women on the basis of their gender is very much prevalent in every sector. This aspect not only impacts women with regard to their confidence but at the same time it also influences the behaviour and attitude of males who are more dominant and highly regarded within the society10. These aspects further act as barriers in eradicating gender based differences. Consequently, the aspect of women violence by men substantially prevails. However, the facts presented in the reports can further be argued by the aspect that there exist equal legal policies for both men and women with regard to human rights and other legislation. Due to the lack of improper and wider practice of these policies, violence against women by men could not be eliminated comprehensively. Arguments in Favour of the Claim The above discussion primarily highlighted about the claim that owing to inequality of power amid men and women within the society, the aspect of violence widely prevails. This claim can further be supported and justified from the studies of numerous authors in this particular subject matter. Again O’Connor (2014) supported the claim by depicting that violence against women in the present day society is entirely a matter or issue of gender biasness along with the differences that exist amid the two genders on the basis of dominance and power. As per the study of O’Connor (2014) UNICEF has globally announced that the existence of power inequality is the underlying factor that gives rise to gender based discrimination and violence against women by men in the society. This inequality in power amid the women and men is largely owing to social and cultural factors that differ from nation to nation. In general, the factors of power and inequality in society prevail owing to social aspects such as socio-economic status of women, family norms and historical approaches relevant to the issue among others. As per O’Connor (2014), an example in this regard would be family norms in various societal domains where women are provided with less respect and seen as inferior as compared to men. This results into igniting the feeling of dominance and superiority amid men towards women and thus they are more likely to involve against violence against the later. Apart from the social factors that prevail, there are also certain cultural factors that determine the position of women against men in the society. These aspects in general includes traditional beliefs of some cultures that men are more valued and powerful than women and religious beliefs of some cultures that women are inferior in status than men also results into the prevalence of gender discrimination and violation against women11. Fergus (2013) also highlighted some of the cause of women violence within the society that supports the claim that gender inequality on the basis of power exists within the society. Notably, the study affirmed that social inequality between the two genders i.e. men and women is one of the prime causes for the existence of violence against women by men. Incidents relevant to violence against women by men are quite evidently seen with greater frequency all over the world. The research article of Fergus (2013) clearly highlighted that owing to the widespread social perception that men are more dominant amid the two genders and thus they have the right to abuse women influence the behaviour of the former towards possessing a violent attitude and behaviour against women. This wideness of their particular belief along with its resemblance with the historical practices regarding these issues further made it challenging to eradicate women violence by men from the present day society. Furthermore, emphasizing more on this particular point, Fergus (2013) also highlighted that the difference of power for the two genders also extensively prevails due to the aspect of gender inequality that exist from the earlier days. This statement can be further be justified from the fact that people in the olden days had the belief that women must remain engaged within household works like managing children and others, while the men are bestowed with the tag of earning member. Women were never given the freedom to work or have their own identity. It is evident that women lacked their identity as they were portrayed as a domestic figure and men the main earning member. This further gave rise to the conception that since men are involved in more challenging work than women, the former is more dominant that the latter. Though this aspect has been eradicated in the contemporary society where women are excelling in every domain of the society professionally, but the perception of power difference amid the two genders prevails prominently even today. These factors also contributed towards augmenting the practices of violence against women by men within the contemporary society12. Hence, the claim that due to the existence of power inequality amid men and women violence against women by men has been augmented can be justified to a larger extent. In order to strengthen the argument of support towards the claim, the report of WAVE (2013) can also be taken into consideration. As per the report, gender-based violence resembles with the core of the violence that take place against women. Violence against women by men is in the form of physical, psychological and mental. Moreover, it also affects the liberty and freedom of women by men. The report also stated that since women are seen to be weaker than men in terms of societal status, this sort of instances of violence prevail against women13. As per a particular article of University of Minnesota (2014), there is certain specific cause of women violence by men that further affirmed the claim. Notably, the articles depicted that violence against women is largely owing to gender difference and biasness. It is believed that roles of men and women are segregated within the society and men are deemed to have a virtual domination over women in this context. It has further been observed that this unjust societal and cultural norm depicts males to be aggressive and powerful while women are presented as emotional, physically weak and passive. This aspect of socialization of men and women in contemporary scenario further gives rise to unequal power amid the two genders, which contribute towards augmenting violence against women by men directly or indirectly. Furthermore, in various parts of the society people follow traditional norms and consider violent approach of men towards women to be legitimate14. This aspect also impacts the societal position of women to a certain extent and augments the incidents of women violence by men15. Hence, with due consideration to all these factors, the claim that owing to unequal power amid the two genders, violence against women by men prevails within the society can be affirmed and supported. Counter-Arguments in Opposition to the Claim Similar to that of the facts that supports the claim and its existence, there are also certain factors that argue against the prevalence of the claim. This factor primarily depicts that women and men has similar status in the present day society and thus the prevalence of violence against women on the basis of the power equality could not be supported. In this regard, the study of Crepaldi & Lodovici (2011) depicted that countries has taken effective measures towards eradicating the aspect of power difference amid men and women in the present day society. As per the report, women primarily deal with violence by men on the basis of numerous factors rather than only for power inequality. Women face violence within the family, workplace and the society owing to diverse range of factors. The facts presented within the report of Crepaldi & Lodovici (2011) suggested that in family life, women face violence from men due to traditional practices and norms that holds the belief that women need to adhere and follow the norms that are in practice in that particular family. Violence against women by men in this regard can be in the form of demands for dowry and preference of son over daughter in terms of child. In such scenario, violence against women by men might not be only owing to unequal power amid the two genders and its abuse16. As per the article of the United Nations (1993), there prevail equal rights and legal policies for women as compared to men in every nation of the world. Both men and women in the contemporary society are provided with equal opportunities in every sector irrespective of their gender and power as compared to men. Both legal and societal norms are in favour of women when they are quantified against the policies and norms that exist for men. With due consideration to this aspects, it can be said that since women and men are not differentiated on legal and societal grounds, the claim cannot be supported owing to the existence of power inequality amid the two gender, violence of men against women exists in the contemporary society17. This aspect also shows the facts that support the claim might not be regarded as valid. Furthermore, emphasizing in a more in-depth manner upon this particular conception, the study of Rico (1997) provided facts that can contradict the claim made. The report suggested that rape is one of the most common forms of violence of men against women in the society. However, it can be said that this sort of violence does not take place owing to the inequality of power amid the two genders; rather the reason for the same is entirely related to gaining physical satisfaction from the end of the males. It resembles with psychological behaviour of the men towards the women with regard to sexual context. This aspect shows that the existence and abuse of unequal power is not only the factor that ensures violence by men against women. This aspect can also be prevalent within the scenario of workplace violence against women by men. Workplace violence against women can be entirely a result of personal enmity amid the workers and unethical behaviour of the employer towards employees. This sort of violence against women could also not be linked with the existence of unequal power amid men and women18. It has also been comprehended that personal values and beliefs of men can also influence them to depict a violent approach towards women. Individuals, that holds the self belief that they are more superior to women, often posses a negative behaviour that influence them to depict a violent approach towards women. Furthermore, from the research it can also be said that psychological factor are also among the primary reasons that trigger violence against women by men. People who are mentally unstable and are dealing with any sort of psychological disorder does not usually hold the capability to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong. Owing to this particular aspect, men can often involve in violence against women in the form of domestic, physical and psychological violence. Additionally, men who lack in terms of controlling their anger in any situation can also act as a potential behavioural factor that contribute towards developing an approach of violence within themselves against women. These factors shows that power inequality amid men and women cannot be regarded as primarily responsible for women violence in the contemporary society19. Extending more on this particular aspect of the discussion, myths about gender based discussion is a potential factor that contributes towards augmenting violence against women by men. Mentally ill men are deemed to be more violent against women as compared to others. This aspect also contradicts the facts that support the claim. Furthermore, poverty is also another factor that has significantly contributed towards augmenting instances of women violence in the present day context. Additionally, substance abuse such as drugs and alcohol intake also changes the behaviour of men and influences them to depict a violent attitude towards women. Personal problems along with lack of understanding between partners and married couples are also a factor that acts as a catalyst to augment instance of violence by men against women20. These factors also depicted that the reason for violence against women is not only limited to unequal power of genders, rather there involves several other factors as well. Hence, the claim i.e. the existence and abuse of unequal power is a factor in violence by men against women can be contradicted. Brief Presentation of Instances Supporting the Claim From the overall analysis of the discussion made on the claim including both supporting and contradicting facts, an apparent conclusion can be drawn. It has been noted that though there involves several reasons owing to which women violation within the society prevails, the aspect of power inequality can be regarded to be among the primary. This is owing to the aspect that in both the olden days as well as the contemporary scenario, women are seen to be weaker both mentally and physically as compared to men. Owing to this particular aspect, it can be affirmed that the claim that the existence and abuse of unequal power as a factor for violence by men against women is more or valid. In order to strengthen the validity of the claim, several practical examples and instances can be presented in this particular discussion. It is believed that violence against women on the basis of gender is one of the vital issues in the present day context. In this context, it is apparent that instances of sexual harassment are widely prevalent in various domains of the society. As per a particular survey of the National Women’s Council of Ireland within the country, for every 1 woman out of 5, instances has been seen of unwelcome touching and other physical contact. Sexual harassment in Ireland is primarily prevalent in the workplace. 32% of the women associated with any sort of company depicted that they deal with sexual harassment from their men colleagues and bosses. It has also been comprehended by the respondents during the survey that men customers and clients are also at times involves in sexually harassing women within the workplace. The survey also depicted that younger women are mostly victimized by workplace harassment21. This can be comprehended from the aspect that around 11% out of 32% survey respondents who were victims of workplace harassments in Ireland fall within the age group of 18-29. All these factors reveals that men’s approach towards women in the workplace is violent mainly owing to the false perception of the former that they are more dominant and superior within the society. This aspect has further made professional women more and more vulnerable towards violence and social injustice. The survey conducted in Ireland also depicted that in the recent times i.e. past twelve months, the cases of sexual harassment has increased considerably within the nation. There are also instances of sexual and domestic violence against women in Ireland, which further ensure severe consequences upon the day to day activities and approaches of the women. Notably, more than 34% of the women who were victimized by sexual harassment have depicted a loss of confidence within themselves along with considerable impact in their physical, mental and physical health. This particular aspect also resembles with the approach of the men towards showing violent attitude against women owing to their misconception of being superior to the women of the society both mentally and physically22. Global records and figures with regard to women violence will also provide a better understanding about the prevalence of unequal power amid the two genders and their implications. According to a particular review that has been conducted globally, more than 35% of the women worldwide have become victims of sexual or physical harassment from men. However, in some of the countries violence against women rise to the figure of 70% or more. This aspect clearly depicts how women are showing dominant approach against men within the global society. Furthermore, global survey results also suggest that for the year 2012, around half of the percentage of women who were killed in that particular year, most were victims of violent approach of their partners and husbands. This aspect also clearly highlights that men considers women to be weak and likewise a violent and carefree approach has been shown by them. It has also been comprehended that most of the cases relevant to women countries in the global world remain unreported to the legal bodies. This can also be justified from the fact that among all the countries of the European Union, only 12-13% of the women reported for serious or major violence from the end of their male partners while other are reluctant towards reporting to policies for such cases. This can be due to the fear of women from their dominant male partners or their lack of trust towards legal policies and authorities23. Traditional practices of considering men to be more powerful and superior than women have also contributed towards promoting violence against women by men. It has been noted that in most of the countries of the world, people follow customers who are both psychologically as well as physically harmful against women. His aspect can be in the form of female genital mutilation, preferences of son by family members and dowry among others. Adherence to all these cultural customers is largely because of the weaker social status of women in terms of power as compared to men who are deemed to be more physically and mentally dominant among the two genders24. Hence, this instance reveals that power differences amid the two genders i.e. male and female are among the prime reason for the existence of violence of men against women. Conclusion and Recommendation From the overall analysis of the paper, several key facts can be presented about the subject matter i.e. prevalence of violence against women by men in the presence of unequal power amid the two genders. Notably, in the present day scenario women are bestowed with the opportunities to move in parallel with the men in every domain of the society both professionally and personally. This aspect can also be justified from the fact that women are provided with equal opportunities as compared to men to utilize their abilities and skills in an efficient manner by pursuing their career in any professional domain rather than limiting their role only in household works and taking care of their spouse and children. This can be justified from the presence of women in various domains of the society professionally. However, there are certain contradictory factors that show that women are not seen equal to men owing to the existence of unequal power amid the two genders. This aspect can further be justified from the aspect that is continuously on the receiving end of violence from their male partners or husbands. The number of cases relevant to the workplace violence by men against women has also been increased considerably in the recent time. Global facts and figures presented during the discussion can be taken into consideration in this regard. Contextually, people started claiming that owing to the existence of unequal power and the abuse of the same, violence by men against women is seen to have augmented comprehensively. To provide a better understanding for the statement, both supporting and contradicting facts has been considered in this discussion. It has been learnt that owing to various social, traditional and cultural factors women are depicted to be weaker as compared to men both physically and mentally. This aspect has further influenced the conceptions of the men that they are more superior amid the two genders. Thus, the aspect of violence against women by men came into prevalence, which further affirms the validity of the claim. In this context, it can be recommended that in the contemporary society more awareness regarding the gender roles should be incorporated. This will help to enhance the confidence among women and reduce the chances of violence. Women are to be strong headed and fight against the discrimination and for their rights with the involvement of government bodies and society. However, seeing from a contradictory point of view it can also be said that the incidents of women violence within the society is not only a result of unequal power between the two genders, rather factors such as mental or psychological stability of men and their beliefs and values also determine their negative approach towards women. However, going by the extensive prevalence of women violence by men due to male dominated modern day society, the claim that the existence and abuse of unequal power is a factor in violence by men against women, can further be supported. References Claire M. Renzetti & Raquel Kennedy Bergen. Violence against Women. Rowman & Littlefield, US, 2005. Chiara Crepaldi & Manuela Samek Lodovici. ‘Eliminating All Forms Of Gender-Based Violence’. Conference, , (assessed 25 November 2014). 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Women And Development Unit, , 1997. (assessed 25 November 2014). Orla O’Connor. ‘Violence against Women an issue of Gender’. Uploads, < http://www.safeireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/Orla-OConnor_NWCI_Presentation-to-Launch-of-FRA-Survey.pdf>, 2014. (assessed 25 November 2014). Panigrahy, R. L. Women Empowerment. Discovery Publishing House, US, 2006. United Nations Population Funds. ‘Gender-based Violence’. Home, < http://www.unfpa.org/gender-based-violence>, n.d. (assessed 25 November 2014). UN Women. ‘Facts and Figures: Ending Violence against Women’. Home, , n.d. (assessed 25 November 2014). United Nations Department of Public Information. ‘Women and Violence’. Home, , n.d. (assessed 25 November 2014). United Nations. ‘General Assembly’. Home, < http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/48/a48r104.htm>, 1993. (assessed 25 November 2014). United Nation Human Rights. ‘Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women’. OHCHR, < http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/ViolenceAgainstWomen.aspx>, n.d. (assessed 25 November 2014). WAVE. ‘Violence against Women’. Home, < http://www.wave-network.org/content/violence-against-women>, 2013. (assessed 25 November 2014). WHO. ‘Violence Against Women’. Media Centre, < http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs239/en/>, 2014 (assessed 25 November 2014). Read More