Conflict within Intimacy:
Men Involved in Violent Relationships
Socio-demographic Analysis of Intimate
Partner Violence in Mexico
Juan Manuel Contreras
London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine
September 2004
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)...
• is one of the most common
types of violence
• is everywhere and transcends
socio-economic and culturally
different groups (Heise et al.,
1999)
• emerges as a significant issue
because its negative effects
could be enormous for the
individuals and society
Mexico
• 11th most populated
country in the world
(97 483 412)
• 75% living in urban areas
• 57% of the population
between 15-59 years
• 60% (15-59) are married
or living in-cohabitation
In Mexico...
Studies have detected that IPV is a serious issue with high
prevalence (it is estimated that around 30% of women
have ever beaten by their partners)
The investigation started recently and there are few studies
that help to understand in depth the aspects involved in
this problem
Studies conclude that IPV is caused mainly by the cultural
context characterised by gender inequalities
Research Purpose
Following a socio-demographic perspective, to
explore the determinants and context of
intimate partner violence from the male point
of view
The ultimate purpose is to suggest
recommendations to contribute to
appropriate intervention strategies to prevent
IPV
Explaining IPV
Theoretical Approaches
• Psychobiological perspective
• Cultural of Violence Theory
• Social Learning Theory
• Resource and Exchange Theories
• Systems Theory
• Patriarchal/Feminist Theory
• Ecological Model
Conceptual Framework for this study
Macrosocial
Community of
current residence
Individual
Man
Individual
Woman
Relationship
Interaction :
Personal
History
Current particular
features:
Socio -economic,
demographic and
health characteristics
Personality
Beliefs
Peers
Conflict Arena
Economic
problems
Children
Addictions
Household
Outcome duties
Non-physical
violence
Physical
violence
Sexual satisfaction
Reproductive issues
Jealousy
Discords
daily life
No fulfilment
Gender roles
Unfaithfulness
Socio -economic and
demographic
characteristics
Personal
History
Current particular
features:
Socio -economic,
demographic and
health characteristics
Personality
Beliefs
Why Men?
• To understand IPV it is necessary to include all the social
actors involved
• Our understanding of the male perspective is particularly
limited
• It is clear that there is a connection between men and
violence
• Men on the whole are considered the main aggressors
who generate physical violence in the relationships
Methodology
• Quantitative
Analysis of a reproductive health survey (ENSARE) collected
by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in 1998.
• ‘Screening’ Survey
Conducting a survey (n=500) among male factory workers in
Mexico City. Two reasons:
a) To aid in selecting participants for the qualitative study
b) To obtain more specific quantitative information on issues
related to IPV
• Qualitative
40 in-depth interviews were conducted: 20 ‘violent’ and 20
‘non-violent’ men
Analysing data
Quantitative data
• Outcome, binary variable:
‘1’ involved in IPV in the last
12 months
‘0’ not involved
• Bivariate analysis:
crosstabs, chi square test
• Multivariate analysis:
Logistic regression method
Step by step analysis
Wald test
Log likelihood ratio tests
Analysing data
Qualitative data
• Based on grounded theory
• Five steps:
–
–
–
–
–
Read data to become familiar
Organise findings according to theoretical framework
Develop analytical categories and to code the data
Examine important categories and make connections
Identify patterns
• Nudist software
Findings
1. Levels
Reproductive Health Survey:
• 9.0% involved in IPV in the last 12 months
• Of those who have been involved:
– 49% More than once
– 30% Injuries
Screening Survey:
• 12.2% involved in IPV in the last 12 months
• 33.8% ever
• Life cycle
• Dynamic of the relationship
• Norms about the use of
violence
2. Life cycle
• Less 25 years old
• Having 1 child under 12 living with him
• Less 5 years in the relationship
• First incident less than 1 year into the relationship
• Risk of being involved in IPV gets lower as age increases
2. Life cycle (cont…)
• Lack of experience in dealing with problems
• Emotional intensity and great expectations
• Difficulties in settling down with a partner
• Societal pressures influence individual’s decisions about
marriage
3. Dynamic of the relationship
• Fulfilment of gender roles
– His roles: economic provider, strong personality,
affectionate, faithful
– Her roles: household duties, no complaints, sexuality
• To control the sexuality of women
– Jealousy
– Premarital sexual relationships
• Interaction with other members of the household
4. The use of violence. Norms
• High tolerance to the use of physical violence
• Violence against women is socially condemned: A las
mujeres no se les toca ni con el petalo de una rosa
• When is it allowed?
– Defence
– Discipline
• Experiences in childhood extremely important in shaping
these perspectives
The End