Abstract

DELGADO-ALVAREZ, María Carmen; SANCHEZ GOMEZ, María Cruz  and  FERNANDEZ-DAVILA JARA, Paula Andrea. Gender Attributes and Stereotypes Associated with the Cycle of Violence Against Women. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2012, vol.11, n.3, pp.769-777. ISSN 1657-9267.

This study examined the relation between the social construction of gender attributes and stereotypes, and the presence of domestic violence against women. The participants were 1.200 subjects of both sexes, over 18 years of age, residing in different locations in Spain. Participants positively value the gender attributes that constitute the female image. However, they tend to markedly stereotype themselves according to gender. Regarding the transmission of gender attributes in the education of children, there are differences related to the sex of the educator, mothers being more rigid in their parenting. Concerning the assessment of gender attributes in romantic relationships, the subjects tend to prefer strongly stereotyped couples. In relation to the assessment of the gender prototypes broadcast by the media, both sexes agree on their desire to perceive more stereotyped male and female figures. An association between domestic violence and male gender attributes was found, as well as the description of abusive men as violent persons and of women as passive, and the notion of courage as the main characteristic needed to break the cycle of violence.

Keywords : Attributes; Stereotypes; Gender; Social Construction; Domestic Violence; Violence Against Women; Women; Social Conditions; Family Violence; Spain.

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