Men’s perspective on Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative study in Yogyakarta-Indonesia

Seminar no. 1293
6 November 2024 Time 12:30 – 13:30 hrs.

Speaker: Ratu Matahari

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant concern in Indonesia, where socio-cultural norms around gender roles and masculinity may facilitate its prevalence and continuation. Intimate partner violence is a significant concern in Indonesia, where socio-cultural norms around gender roles and masculinity may facilitate its prevalence and continuation. Comprehending male viewpoints is essential for effectively addressing intimate partner violence through culturally appropriate and meaningful preventative programs and policy formulation. This study examines men’s opinions on intimate partner violence (IPV) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with the objective of understanding the attitudes, beliefs, and social norms that affect IPV and its prevalence in rural and urban contexts. This study was a qualitative research methodology, specifically Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), to obtain comprehensive perspectives from married men aged 15-59 years, recruited from both rural and urban regions in Yogyakarta which is Gunungkidul as the representative of rural and City of Yogyakarta as the representative as the urban region. This study was conducted as requirement the report to the Rifka Annisa Women Crisis Centre Yogyakarta during the internship. Participants were intentionally chosen to represent a variety of socio-economic origins, educational attainment, and geographic diversity. Each focus group discussion was consists of twelve married men and conducted using a semi-structured guide that addressed themes of marital expectations, masculinity, perceptions of control, and attitudes toward intimate partner violence. Focus group discussions were held in a neutral environment to promote candid debate, with the conversations audio-recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic content analysis. Ethical considerations, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and the opportunity to withdraw, were rigorously upheld. The findings indicated a complex interaction of cultural ideas, economic pressures, and gender expectations that influence men’s perceptions of IPV. Participants predominantly maintained conventional perspectives on marriage and masculinity, frequently viewing men as the heads of families accountable for domestic stability. Numerous individuals rationalized control over their spouses as a male entitlement to preserve familial stability, with others perceiving physical and emotional discipline as a means to assert power. These ideas were especially evident among rural participants, where cultural ideals regarding masculinity and familial reputation exerted considerable effect. Conversely, several urban participants exhibited more egalitarian perspectives, seeing shared responsibility and communication as essential for a good partnership, however these views were relatively uncommon. The discussions emphasized that economic pressures, especially among males of lower socio-economic status, intensify marital conflicts, prompting some to view intimate partner violence as a reaction to stress or a means of venting displeasure. Awareness of IPV as a significant social or legal concern was minimal, with numerous participants perceiving it as a private issue or a conventional element of marital existence. This study highlights the necessity for culturally attuned treatments in Yogyakarta aimed at enhancing men’s comprehension of IPV and confronting entrenched gender norms. Increasing knowledge of the ramifications of intimate partner violence, advocating for gender justice, and encouraging good masculinity may help diminish incidence of IPV. Community-based initiatives that involve males in discussions about healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and shared responsibility possess the potential for significant transformation. This research also provides significant insights into male attitudes on IPV in Yogyakarta’s cultural setting, establishing a basis for developing preventative initiatives that align with the values and beliefs of men in this area.

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