Gender-Based Violence

Introduction

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to why some belligerents in armed conflict are more likely to commit gender-based violence than others. One key factor is the level of social and political power held by women within the society. When women have fewer rights and are less able to participate in public life, they are more likely to be targets of gender-based violence. Another key factor is the level of militarization within the society. When there is a high degree of militarization, there is a higher likelihood of gender-based violence being used as a tool of warfare. Also worth considering is the level of economic development within a society, which can also be a reason why gender-based violence occurs among belligerents. When poverty levels are high, women are often forced into situations where they are more vulnerable to violence. Consequently, there is a clear link between various social factors and the likelihood of gender-based violence occurring during armed conflict. This can tie into the presence of misogyny and/or patriarchal attitudes within the group committing the offenses. When women are seen as inferior to men, or their worth is primarily based on their reproductive capacity, they are more likely to be subjected to violence. Additionally, groups that condone or encourage the use of drugs and alcohol are also more likely to commit gender-based violence, as substances can lower inhibitions and increase aggressive behaviors. Finally, it is worth noting that groups who have a history of committing human rights violations are also more likely to target women with violence during armed conflict. By understanding these key factors, one can begin to see the root causes of gender-based violence in armed conflict (Henry, 2016). Ultimately, the main causes are cultural and this paper will show why that is by discussing each of these factors in turn and showing how they are rooted in culture.

Theory and Framework

There is no single theory that can explain all instances of gender-based violence in conflict. However, there are a number of concepts that can help to understanding the often complex and multi-layered nature of these experiences. For example, the concept of militarization of gender highlights how conflict can lead to rigid cultural norms around masculinity and femininity, which in turn can contribute to violence (Feitz & Nagel, 2008). The concept of scapegoating can help to explain how groups in conflict may target individuals or groups based on their perceived gender identity (MacLeod, 2019). And the concept of intersectionality underscores how multiple factors - such as race, ethnicity, religion, and disability - can interact to create unique experiences of violence (Gill, 2018). Each of these concepts provides valuable insights into the causes and consequences of gender-based violence in conflict. However, it is important to remember that these are only theoretical frameworks, and that every instance of gender-based violence must be considered in its own context.

Militarization of Gender

The militarization of gender is the process by which traditional ideas about femininity and masculinity are used to justify and legitimize war and violence. The term can be used to describe the ways in which women and men are expected to conform to specific gender roles in the military, as well as the ways in which militaries and armed groups use gender as a weapon of war. Gender norms play an important role in the recruitment and training of soldiers, as well as in how wars are fought. For example, women are often seen as more suitable for roles such as nursing or secretarial work, while men are considered better suited for combat roles. This division of labor often reinforces ideas about womens inferiority and mens superiority. In addition, militaries and armed groups often use rape as a weapon of war, targeting women of enemy communities in order to demoralize and humiliate them. The militarization of gender thus relies on a number of harmful stereotypes and prejudices that ultimately serve to legitimize violence.

At root it is cultural process that can take generations to normalize and embed within society (Feitz & Nagel, 2008).

Scapegoating

Scapegoating occurs when individuals or groups are unfairly blamed for the problems or challenges faced by others. In the context of gender-based violence, scapegoating can take many forms. For example, men may be blamed for the violence perpetrated against women, or certain communities may be scapegoated for the ills of society more broadly. Scapegoating can have dangerous consequences, as it can lead to further discriminaton and violence against those who are targeted. It is important to challenge scapegoating in all its forms in order to create a more inclusive and just society (MacLeod, 2019).

Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a term that has been used to describe the way in which different forms of discrimination intersect and interact with one another. With regard to gender-based violence, intersectionality refers to the way in which different forms of oppression can combine to create unique experiences of violence and discrimination. For example, a woman who is also...

…of substances. Moreover, drugs and alcohol often create feelings of invincibility, which can make belligerents more likely to engage in risky and dangerous activities, including sexual violence. Studies of soldiers who have served in combat zones have found that those who used drugs or alcohol were more likely to commit rape or other forms of sexual assault. Given the link between substance abuse and gender-based violence, it is not surprising that drug and alcohol use may help explain why some belligerents engage in this behavior while others do not (Gill, 2018; Henry, 2016). Additionally, empirical evidence provided by the UN (2014) shows that in Myanmar proximity to drugs makes women more vulnerable to physical and sexual violence, exploitation and psychological abuse [and] approximately 6 out of 10 Mexican migrant women are victims of rape or other sexualized violence as they come in contact with drug smugglers. This empirical data suggests a link between substance abuse and violence.

History of Committing Human Rights

There is ample evidence to suggest that cultures/societies with a history of human rights abuses are more likely to engage in gender-based violence during wartime. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the devaluation of women in such societies and the belief that violence against women is an acceptable way to assert power. In addition, wartime provides an opportunity for perpetrators of gender-based violence to act with impunity, as the chaotic nature of conflict makes it difficult to investigate and punish such crimes. As a result, it is not surprising that groups with a history of human rights abuses are more likely to engage in gender-based violence during wartime. However, this does not excuse such behavior; all belligerents should make a concerted effort to protect women and other vulnerable groups during conflict.

Conclusion: Culturethe Theme that Links Intersectionality, Militarization of Gender, and Scapegoating

Culture is the thread that underscores the various factors that contribute to the matter of why some war time belligerents engage in gender-based violence and others do not. Culture runs through every society and person, but not every state or individual has the same culture or is cultivated in the same way as others. Cultures that value human life and respect women tend to be less likely to commit gender-based violence in war time. However, it all comes down to the individual, the circumstances, and the various factors present at the time. Intersectionality, the militarization of gender, and scapegoating all help to explain how this happens, and culture…