Antediluvian Man

Violence committed by men is a persistent and pervasive problem in our society. From physical abuse to sexual assault and harassment, men are often the perpetrators of such acts. The root cause of this violence can be traced back to the concept of patriarchy, a system in which men hold power and authority over women.

Patriarchy is a social system that has existed for thousands of years and is characterized by the dominance of men in various spheres of life, including politics, economics, and culture. Patriarchy reinforces the notion that men are superior to women and that women are subservient to men. This ideology is deeply embedded in our cultural and social structures and manifests itself in various ways, including through violence against women.

The link between patriarchy and male violence is well-established. Patriarchy reinforces the idea that men should be in control and that women should be submissive. Men who feel threatened by women who challenge this norm often respond with violence, as they see it as a way to regain their power and control. This can range from physical violence, such as hitting or punching, to emotional abuse, such as belittling or gaslighting.

The effects of this violence on women are far-reaching and devastating. Women who are victims of violence often suffer from physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term mental health issues. The fear of violence also limits women’s ability to participate fully in society and can have a chilling effect on their freedom of expression.

Breaking the cycle of male violence requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. This includes challenging patriarchal norms and promoting gender equality. By dismantling the structures that uphold patriarchy, we can create a society that values and respects all individuals, regardless of their gender.

Education is also a key factor in addressing male violence. By educating men and boys about the harmful effects of violence, we can help to shift attitudes and behaviors. This includes teaching men about healthy relationships, consent, and the importance of respecting women’s autonomy.

Finally, it is important to hold perpetrators of violence accountable for their actions. This means ensuring that there are consequences for violent behavior and providing support and resources for victims of violence.

Male violence is a pervasive problem in our society, and the root cause can be traced back to the concept of patriarchy. To address this issue, we must challenge patriarchal norms, promote gender equality, educate men and boys about healthy relationships, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Only then can we create a society that is safe and equitable for all individuals, regardless of their gender.

You can see this is nothing new… you can find papers going back to 1984.

1. Johnson, M. P. (2012). Patriarchal terrorism and common couple violence: two forms of violence against women. Journal of Marriage and Family, 74(2), 276-285.
2. Hanmer, J., & Saunders, S. (1984). Well-founded fear: A community study of violence to women. London: Hutchinson.
3. Messerschmidt, J. W. (1993). Masculinities and crime: Critique and reconceptualization of theory. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
4. Schrock, D., & Schwalbe, M. (2009). Men, masculinity, and manhood acts. Annual Review of Sociology, 35(1), 277-295.
5. World Health Organization. (2013). Global and regional estimates of violence against women: Prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.
6. Kimmel, M. (2019). Healing from hate: How young men get into–and out of–violent extremism. University of California Press.
7. National Institute of Justice. (2019). Male violence against women: An analysis of violence committed by men in the United States. Retrieved from https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/male-violence-against-women-analysis-violence-committed-men-united-states

While Patriarchy is ,unfortunately, universal, here some ways the good ol US of A supports and perpetuates it:

1. Gendered socialization: From a very young age, boys and girls are socialized differently in American society. Boys are often taught to be tough, independent, and aggressive, while girls are taught to be nurturing, emotional, and submissive. This reinforces gender stereotypes and reinforces the idea that men should be dominant and women should be subservient.
2. Gendered division of labor: American society still tends to assign traditional gender roles in terms of domestic labor and caregiving. Women are still expected to bear the primary responsibility for child-rearing and housework, while men are expected to be the breadwinners. This perpetuates the idea that women are primarily responsible for the domestic sphere, while men are primarily responsible for the public sphere.
3. Lack of representation in politics and leadership positions: Women are significantly underrepresented in politics and leadership positions in the United States. This perpetuates the idea that men are better suited for positions of power and reinforces gender stereotypes about women’s abilities and competence.
4. Objectification of women: Women are often objectified and sexualized in American media and culture, which reinforces the idea that women’s value is primarily based on their appearance and sexual appeal. This perpetuates the idea that women are objects to be used and consumed by men, rather than individuals with their own agency and autonomy.
5. Sexual violence: Sexual violence, including rape and sexual harassment, is a pervasive problem in American society. This perpetuates the idea that men are entitled to women’s bodies and reinforces gender stereotypes about women’s sexuality and sexual availability.

This is just a sampling… it goes much deeper and has been going on longer than the US has been a country… but it perpetuated everyday.

When will we, as men, choose differently?