Critical Masculinity Theory and Radical Perspectives
Introduction into Domestic Violence:
Morgan and Chadwick (2009) state that domestic violence is traditionally defined as a physical form of violence among intimate partners within a domestic household. However, domestic violence is a recipient of stereotypical definitions. Domestic violence is not bound to physical forms of violence. Other forms of domestic violence include; physical abuse towards children and pets (not only intimate partners); sexual assault; psychological abuse through emotional and verbal harassment; social isolation; economic restraint through the termination of financial independence and the manipulation or the disapproval of spiritual …show more content…
Therefore, hegemonic masculinity is described as the process of advocating social positions of dominance for men, and in return a subordinate social position for women (Connell and Messerschmidt 2005). Gender is an important element within this theory as gender is a performance that influences social identities as well as individual and group behaviours (Tomsen 2008). A man’s class, sexual orientation, culture, ethnicity and religion also influence these masculinity performances through intersectionality (Heidensohn …show more content…
It was stated that Kirisome Auva’a was upset about seeing his ex-girlfriend with another male companion. In response, Messerschmidt (2005) states that the critical masculinity theory would conclude that this outburst was the result of Kirisome Auva’a feeling powerless, like a failure, and not feeling like a man. On the other hand, it is evident that gender discrimination was present in this incident, as Kirisome Auva’a was ordered to attend a men’s behavioural program, as the use of violence to respond to a stressful situation was perceived as a gendered-specific