The relationship between sex role stereotypes and domestic violence among families in Mengo and Kisenyi parishes, Kampala district

Abstract

The study took place in Mengo and Kisenyi parish under the aim of identifying the influence of sex role stereotypes in families and the general society of Mengo and Kisenyi with an overview of its contribution to domestic violence. The study highlighted the socio-economic factors contributing to domestic violence, sociological perspectives of the varying interpretations of such stereotypes and domestic violence and its effects associated in families of Kisenyi Area. The researcher used a case research design which is the type of research study where r a subset of the population was selected as a representative of the population. The study population comprised of men and women in Mengo and Kisenyi Parishes, the Local government officials especially the local leaders such as L.C1 chairpersons and their secretaries of the selected 15 villages in the two parishes, as well as the parish chiefs of the two parishes. That is such as parish leaders. Findings indicated that a number of sex role stereotypes include; women are not strong as men, women are supposed to make less money than men, women are supposed to be submissive and do as they are told, women are supposed to cook and do house work, women are never in chaired, women are meant to be damsel in distress; never the hero and the causes of domestic violence in Mengo Kisneyi include alcohol and drug abuse, partner domination, traditional beliefs, low self esteem and extreem jelousy and inability to control hunger The stereotyping that accelerate domestic violnce among families included sense of entitalments, A belief they should have power and control over their partner, Belief that they can get away with it, earned experience that being abusive gets them what they want, Belief that their lives should take priority In conclusion the research was successfully carried out although the researcher met a few challenges such as budgetary constraints, unfavorable weather among others which were overcomed. It was clear that sex role stereotypes plays important role in accelerating domestic violence, it becomes that the usual interventions are not enough to reduce stereotpes and domestic violence thus need for engaging communities beyond the victims involved in programs is much better strategy to avoid occurrence of such indices in Mengo Kishenyi. The research findings also sets forwards the recommendations towards addressing domestic violence which include Coordination and collaboration across sectors and across all levels of government and non-government should be a fundamental principle underpinning any approach to the prevention of, and intervention with, domestic violence