Cultural Norms’ Role in Perpetuating Violence

One in three women worldwide face physical or sexual violence, often from someone close to them. Yet, only 40 per cent of women seek help after such abuse. This shows how cultural norms deeply affect gender-based violence.

Deeply rooted patriarchal customs, social conditioning, and media play a big part. They make violence against women seem normal. This creates a cycle of abuse that feels hard to break.

Key Takeaways

• Cultural norms and patriarchal structures play a significant role in perpetuating gender-based violence.
• Widespread acceptance of violence as “natural” and the low status assigned to women enable the cycle of abuse.
• Stigma around divorce and the pressure on women to save their marriages further entrench gender inequality.
• Collaboration between scholars, policymakers, and service providers is crucial to challenge harmful beliefs and social constructions.
• Transforming rigid gender roles and promoting equality are key to breaking the cycle of violence.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Kyrgyzstan

Domestic violence is a big problem in Kyrgyzstan. The 2012 Demographic and Health Survey found that 23% of women aged 15–49 have faced physical violence. This number jumps to 28% for married or once-married women. This shows we need to act fast to help those affected by domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan.

Legal Framework and Challenges

The Kyrgyz government has taken steps to fight domestic violence. They ratified the CEDAW Convention in 2002 and passed a Law on Social and Legal Protection from Domestic Violence in 2003. But, there are big issues with putting these laws into action. There’s a lack of services for victims and the legal system doesn’t always help them.

The laws on domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan have big challenges, including:

• Inadequate funding and resources for victim support services
• Lack of comprehensive training for law enforcement and the judiciary on handling domestic violence cases
• Persistent gender inequality and cultural norms that perpetuate the acceptance of violence against women
• Insufficient data collection and monitoring of domestic violence incidents and their impacts

These issues make it hard for the legal system to protect victims and work towards gender equality.

“The legal framework on domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan faces several challenges, including inadequate funding and resources for victim support services, lack of comprehensive training for law enforcement and the judiciary, and persistent gender inequality.”

Cultural Justifications for Domestic Violence

In Kyrgyz society, women are often seen as subservient wives. This view has led to discrimination against girls and women. Traditional gender roles are seen as normal, making it okay to see women as below men. This belief can lead to violence against them.

Marriage is seen in a certain way, and divorce is frowned upon. The roles of mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are also set by culture. These norms help keep domestic violence going.

In Kyrgyzstan, 96% of the victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) were women in 2014. The number of IPV cases grew by 1.7 times between 2010 and 2014. This shows a worrying trend.

A government survey found that 23% of women aged 15-49 had faced physical violence at least once since they were 15. This was more common among 28% of married or once-married women. Also, 4% of married or once-married women had been sexually abused, and 14% had been emotionally abused by their partners.

Even with a 2017 law to protect against domestic violence, there are big gaps in its use. Marriage is seen in a certain way, divorce is looked down upon, and family roles are set by culture. These things help make domestic violence seem okay in Kyrgyzstan.

“The gender inequality index compiled by the United Nations Development Programme highlights rising gender inequality in Kyrgyzstan, especially concerning labor force participation rates.”

Looking at domestic violence shows us how personal, situation, and cultural factors work together. We need to question old beliefs and practices. We also need to see how colonization and patriarchy are linked to this issue. Changing gender norms and promoting equality is key.

Patriarchal Customs and Gender Stereotypes

Patriarchal customs and strict gender stereotypes keep domestic violence going in Kyrgyzstan. Practices like bride kidnapping and women’s limited role in public life make them easy targets for abuse. These customs make it seem okay for men to control and hit their partners.

Rigid Gender Roles and Subservience

In Kyrgyzstan, women face tough gender stereotypes tied to old traditions. They’re seen as having to obey their husbands and male family members, especially their mothers-in-law. Marriage and cultural views on the roles of mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law make violence against women seem acceptable.

Research shows that societies with strict gender roles and a view of men as in charge see more violence against women. These gender norms are key to understanding why domestic violence is so common. They shape what people expect from men and women.

“Gender norms are prescriptive standards and expectations defining conformity for women and men within a society, indicating roles in the family, society, behavior, and emotional management.”

Following these gender norms shows what society thinks of masculinity and femininity in Kyrgyzstan. It affects how people act at home and in society. The norms about gender and morals in the country help keep domestic violence going.

Stigma of Divorce and Low Status of Women

In Kyrgyz society, divorce is seen as shameful, and women are viewed as less important. This makes women stay in bad marriages. They don’t want to face the social shame of getting a divorce. Women don’t have much power in public or politics, which lets men control and hurt them.

A 2012 survey showed that 23% of women aged 15-49 had been physically hit at least once. For married or once-married women, this number was 28%. Also, 4% of these women said they faced sexual violence, showing a big problem in their relationships.

The violence women face is worse because they are seen as less important in society. The gender gap is getting bigger, as seen in the United Nations Development Programme’s 2013 report. This is shown in how women join the workforce.

The shame around divorce and women’s limited role in society lets violence against women happen. We need to change this mindset to make women safer and more powerful in Kyrgyzstan.

The shame around divorce and women’s low status in Kyrgyz society make fighting domestic violence hard. We need a plan that changes cultural views and fights for gender equality. This will help make women safer and more powerful.

role of cultural norms in perpetuating violence

In Kyrgyz culture, violence is often seen as normal and okay. This belief makes domestic violence more common. Cultural norms that say violence against women is okay keep the cycle of abuse going. Also, not trusting formal groups to help victims makes violence more accepted.

Widespread Acceptance of Violence as Natural

Research shows that seeing violence as a way to deal with problems can have big effects. In some Indian homes, divorce is frowned upon, leaving women feeling trapped and alone. This leads to fewer divorces.

Young, educated girls are often pushed to give up their dreams for family harmony. This can mean they don’t join the workforce as much. Violence against successful women at home shows how deep domestic violence is in some cultures.

Studies also point out how institutions help keep violence norms alive. Southern and western companies and newspapers often support job applicants or news about honor violence more than northern ones.

This shows how important it is to look at how institutions help keep violence norms alive. We need a full plan to tackle how cultural norms lead to more domestic abuse.

Service Providers’ Perspectives

This study is one of the first to look at how professionals in health, social work, and law see domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan. It explores how culture affects violence, justification, and its ongoing nature. Experts from different fields talked about cultural beliefs and practices that keep violence going.

Interviews with service providers showed big concerns about cultural factors influencing domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan. They pointed out how violence is often seen as a normal way to solve conflicts in families. They also talked about patriarchal customs and gender stereotypes that stop victims from getting help.

A social worker said, “Many think domestic violence is a private issue, and it’s okay for a husband to discipline his wife.” A legal expert agreed, “The belief in a woman’s subservience to her husband is strong. This makes it hard for victims to seek help.”

Service providers also talked about the stigma of divorce and the low social standing of women. This makes it harder for victims to leave abusive relationships. A health worker explained, “Women leaving abusive partners are often rejected by their families and communities. They face big economic and social hurdles to becoming independent.”

“The idea of a woman’s subservience to her husband is deeply ingrained, and this makes it very difficult for victims to come forward and seek help.”

These insights highlight the need to tackle the deep-rooted cultural factors behind domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan. To help, we need to understand how social norms, gender roles, and victim challenges interact in this culture.

Ecological Approach to Understanding Violence

The study looks at domestic violence through an ecological lens. It sees violence as a complex issue with many causes. These include personal, situational, and sociocultural factors. It looks at how culture affects violence by pointing out beliefs and systems that justify it.

These beliefs and systems can make violence seem okay. They shape our views on gender roles and isolate wives. This makes it harder to stop violence.

Interplay of Personal, Situational, and Sociocultural Factors

Domestic violence is not just about one thing. It’s influenced by many factors, from personal to societal. Personal factors like past abuse, mental health, and how people cope can affect violence. Situational factors like stress, money problems, and relationship issues can also increase the risk.

The ecological model says that society’s norms and beliefs play a big part too. These can make violence against women seem normal or even right. This is a key point in understanding why violence happens.

• Almost half of the world population currently identifies as female (Trading Economics 2023).
• Females have been known to be victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) more so than males (Hester et al. 2017; Stark and Hester 2019).
• Physical discipline within families is still considered a norm within the United States, while it is legally prohibited in Sweden (Zolotor et al. 2011).
• International research shows a contextual effect in socialization processes specific to individual societies tied to socio-economic status (Runyan et al. 2010; Cappa and Kahn 2011).
• Collective informal social control inadvertently promotes and promulgates violence within shared societies (Eller 2006).
• Socio-political practices of collectives may shape group orientations towards violence, explaining differences in the degree to which violence is accepted across societies (Gartner 1993).

Looking at violence through an ecological lens helps us understand its many causes. This can lead to better ways to stop it. It shows us that solving domestic violence needs to involve many levels of society.

“Domestic violence is not just an individual problem, but a societal one – rooted in cultural norms, power imbalances, and structural inequalities.”

Challenging Social Constructions

It’s important to challenge the beliefs that make domestic abuse okay. Scholars, policymakers, and service providers must work together. They need to question the beliefs about gender, marriage, and women’s roles that allow violence.

Changing the way we see gender inequality is key. Programs like Breakthrough’s “Bell Bajao” show how men can fight domestic violence. Educational shows, like soap operas, also help change attitudes towards violence.

Looking at how religion affects gender norms is also important. Religious texts and groups have often kept women from leading and made men think they’re superior. Changing religious teachings to support equality is a big step.

“Religious leaders are identified as having a critical role in teaching men and boys to support gender equality and combat gender-based violence (GBV).”

Using a mix of efforts, like the “No More Campaign,” shows how different groups can work together. By challenging the reasons we accept violence, we can create a fairer society.

Harmful Social Norms Contributing to Gender Inequality

Patriarchal norms and gender stereotypes keep fueling harmful social practices. These norms often put men first and have big effects on women and girls’ lives.

Over 575 million girls live in places where gender norms don’t treat them fairly. This means they often can’t get healthcare, education, or protection from violence. Girls do most of the household chores, taking time away from school.

Male Entitlement and Domination

Gender norms that say men should rule over women and girls lead to violence against them. Around the world, 1 in 3 women faces gender-based violence. About 15 million girls aged 15-19 have been forced into sex. And, over 200 million girls and women have been cut in a harmful ritual.

These norms also mean women do way more unpaid work than men. In some areas, for every 100 boys not in school, 115 to 123 girls are kept from getting an education because of gender norms.

We need to change these harmful social norms to make things fair for women and girls. We must work on breaking down patriarchal structures and building fair gender norms. This is key to a more just and welcoming society.

Rigid Gender Roles and Expectations

In Kyrgyz society, women are often seen as wives who should only work at home. This view leads to unfair treatment of girls and women. They face strict gender stereotypes that say they must obey men and accept violence. Marriage and the roles of mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law make it easier for domestic violence to happen.

Research shows that strict gender roles can lead to more violence in relationships. When violence is seen as a way to solve problems or discipline, men may use it more. This is made worse by the belief that women are to blame for violence if they dress too provocatively or are out alone at night.

Following traditional gender roles and expectations, based on patriarchal beliefs, harms the well-being and empowerment of women and girls. Changing these deep-rooted cultural norms is key to promoting gender equality and stopping violence.

Normalizing and Excusing Violence

Violence is often seen as okay and even needed in some cases. Many believe it’s right for men to use it to discipline women. This belief is common among both women and men.

In the U.S., one in four women has faced domestic violence at some point. In 2001, there were 691,710 nonfatal and 1,247 fatal violent incidents by intimate partners. This made up 20% of violent crimes against women.

Violence is often seen as a way to solve problems at home. About 40% to 80% of domestic violence cases end up happening again. This shows how deep cultural justifications for abuse and victim-blaming attitudes are in our society.

Even in religious communities, violence is sometimes seen as okay. Over 50% of deeply religious Christian women have faced abuse. Most religious leaders don’t see divorce as a good way to leave an abusive relationship.

The media often makes violence seem normal. They use harmful words to talk about domestic and sexual abuse in the U.S. and India. This helps keep victim-blaming attitudes alive, making violence harder to stop.

We need to change the cultural and social norms that make violence okay. This is key to ending domestic abuse and making society fairer for everyone.

Discrimination and Marginalization

Research shows that discrimination and marginalization make some groups more vulnerable to violence. Women and girls with disabilities, divorced women and widows, sex workers, and lesbian and transgender individuals face unique violence. They deal with harsh beliefs and social stigma because of who they are.

Marginalization of LGBTQ Individuals

LGBTQ individuals are more at risk because of discrimination and social exclusion. Lesbian and transgender women often face abuse, both in their communities and in society. This makes them more likely to suffer from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Challenges Faced by Women with Disabilities

Women and girls with disabilities are hit hard by violence. They often can’t get support and rely too much on their abusers. Being a woman and disabled makes them even more vulnerable to abuse, including sexual exploitation and neglect.

Vulnerability of Sex Workers

Sex workers are a stigmatized group facing discrimination and social exclusion. They’re more likely to be abused by clients, police, and others. Their experiences are often ignored or dismissed.

We need to tackle the discrimination and marginalization that lead to violence against these groups. By understanding their challenges, we can work towards a society that values everyone’s rights and safety, no matter their identity or background.

Transforming Gender Norms and Promoting Equality

To stop violence, we must change harmful gender norms and social ideas that support violence, especially against women and girls. We need to challenge male-dominated systems, question cultural excuses for abuse, and work together to make society fair. This means using community efforts and joining forces among experts, lawmakers, and those who help people.

Studies show that one in three women globally face sexual or intimate partner violence, including in the U.S. (Abrahams et al. 2013; Smith et al. 2017). This violence includes physical, sexual, stalking, and emotional abuse by a current or past partner (Breiding et al. 2015). Many studies link gender bias and violence, showing how it harms men and women alike (Foshee et al. 2004; McCauley et al. 2014; Espelage et al. 2000, 2001).

Health programs that focus on gender equality have shown to reduce violence and other harmful behaviors. They increase condom use and improve how couples talk to each other (Barker et al. 2006; Pulerwitz et al. 2010a, b, 2015a, b). Programs that aim to change gender norms have also been successful, leading to better attitudes, more condom use, and less violence in relationships (Jewkes et al. 2010a, b; Pulerwitz et al. 2010a, b; Barker et al. 2007; Jewkes et al. 2008; Kim et al. 2007).

In Senegal, reducing female genital cutting shows how changing social norms can work (Cislaghi & Heise, 2018). Efforts to stop harmful practices like female genital cutting, child marriage, and intimate partner violence are gaining ground. By changing harmful gender norms and pushing for equality, we can tackle the deep causes of violence and build a fairer world.

Conclusion

This study shows how cultural norms and social ideas keep domestic violence going in Kyrgyzstan. Many people accept male dominance, gender stereotypes, and violence as normal. We need to fight these beliefs and change gender norms to stop violence against women and girls. We must work together at all levels to make this happen.

Research shows that gender-based violence is linked to power imbalance. Cultural traditions often justify violence against women. It’s important for men to see women differently and for schools to teach against violence.

Understanding how culture, laws, and beliefs interact is key to tackling domestic violence. This approach looks at social and cultural factors together. It’s vital for creating strategies to stop violence. By working together to change gender norms and support equality, we can make a safer world for women and girls.

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