Patriarchal Theory
One of the most prevalent problems in the society is domestic violence. It can happen to all people regardless of age and gender, religion and social status. Family members are the main concern in the issues of domestic violence. They are involved as either the perpetrator or the victim of the event. Defining the term domestic violence means that the abuse occurs within the household and the abuser is someone who has direct blood relations to the victim (Summers, 2009, p. 14). Such unwanted behavior may come in different forms such as: physical, psychological, sexual, verbal, financial, emotional, etc.
It is done by one person to hold power or to dominate over the other. One of the common reasons why domestic violence is prevalent is due to the patriarchal traditions, where men believe that they are superior and hence entitled to power or control and authority triggers the desire to dominate. Abusive or discriminative attitudes lead to difficulties in ensuring that abused women get help (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). The society may treat domestic violence as a private issue thus reducing chances of reporting and reforming. The victim is at times blamed for the violence.
Societies can tolerate the use of abuse viewing it as normal and privileging men. This becomes a great issue because it degrades the personality of the female victim. The impact of domestic violence on men is not that apparent because the society views them as the stronger ones. Most victims who face greater challenge in attaining help include women, children, disabled and gay individuals (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). It is unimaginable for a man to experience domestic violence because most males are viewed as the dominant specie in every household.
Feminist theory asserts that the direct cause of domestic violence against women is through the initiative of men in a patriarchal society (Cory, 2002). The stereotypical notion of male dominance makes domestic violence more available. This theory views society’s way of treating men and women. Male domination causes abuse over women and children on the aspects of physical, economical and political control (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). Abusing members of the household is normal for males because they are the supreme source of power and authority.
Women and children used to be subordinates of men so they should not blame every male member of the household for abusing them. Giving reasons like inability to control impulse, being drunk, impatience and lack of control is not valid for a man to be accused as guilty of committing domestic violence (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). “In short, correlation does not imply causation, a fundamental theorem of statistics, Yet on the basis of this fundamental error, a multibillion dollar domestic violence industry has arisen to the detriment of families and civilization” (Cory, 2002).
Patriarchal theory is always considered in cases of domestic violence because of the issue of dominance (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). The said theory asserts that the element of family relationship who always end up in abusing other members is due to the dominance of male over the females for the sake of exploiting and gaining benefits from their victims (Cory, 2002). Father who demonstrates sexual abuse over their daughters is viewed according to patriarchal theory as something that is based on men’s ability to be aggressive, active, and dominant (Cory, 2002).
On the other hand women who used to be victims of domestic violence are programmed to be submissive and passive. Men always expect women to fulfill their obligations to them. Failure to give household service to the patriarch triggers them to commit domestic violence (Cory, 2002). A justification of male supremacy allows them to abuse their family member because they want to rule within their household and make all things they want possible (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). Male supremacy is indeed a big issue especially for feminists.
This belief is always attributed to the patriarchal theory since it pins down the rights of victims of domestic violence. The dominance of men is always used as a defense mechanism whenever there are allegations of domestic violence (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). Absolute power of men gives them the authority to rule not only inside the house but also in the field of academe, politics and business. This theory is also supported by the fact that men in their families are the main provider of family’s needs.
This gives them more advantages in life because the lives of family members depend on them. One great defect of patriarchal theory is its ability to suppress women’s liberation. The universality of male power allows them to continuously abuse the innocent ones and most probably the primary victims are those people within their reach (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). Since family is always part of men’s everyday lives, their sudden temper and aggressiveness makes them more prone of hurting and abusing those who are directly linked to them.
Patriarchal theory is synonymous to the word oppression by men who dominates the world. Domestic violence is often caused by lack of discipline among family members and abuse of authority bestowed upon the males (Cory, 2002). Domestic violence is one great problem among families in the society especially if it links to this theory. It destroys relationship and hinders personal growth of family members (Wolfe and Jaffe, 1999, p. 135). It is an act that if not prevented immediately can lead to criminal cases.
Awareness and safety will aid everyone about domestic violence. Men should never disregard the fact that aside from dominance, they are expected to guard their family, give them the right nourishment and care instead of hurting and abusing them. . Family is where the heart is and there is no better way to settle things than having honest communication constantly. This will avoid domestic violence and at the same time develop good and harmonious family relationship. References: Corry, C. E. (2002). The Role of Patriarchy in Domestic Violence.
Equal Justice Foundation Website. 14 April 2009 <http://www. dvmen. org/dv-40. htm> Summers, Alicia. (2009) Children’s Exposure to Domestic Violence. National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 2006. Safe Start Center. 14 April 2009 <http://www. safestartcenter. org/pdf/childrensexpostoviolence. pdf> Wolfe, D. A. and Jaffe, P. (1999) “Emerging Strategies in the Prevention of Domestic Violence. ” Domestic Violence and Children, 9: 133-144. 14 April 2009 <http://www. futureofchildren. org/usr_doc/vol9no3Art10. pdf>
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