Peer-reviewed article
Examining Masculinities to Inform Gender-Transformative Violence Prevention Programs: Qualitative Findings From Rakai, Uganda
Eun‐Hee Park, Samuel Jason Wolfe, Fred Kakaire Nalugoda, Lindsay Stark, Neema Nakyanjo et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explored how concepts of masculinity among men and boys in rural Uganda relate to intimate partner violence. Researchers found that two types of masculine norms—'respectability' (being a provider with a job and family) and 'reputation' (sexual prowess and material wealth)—both were used to justify violence against women. The study suggests that gender-transformative programs can help men and boys reflect critically on these conflicting masculine ideals and reduce violence.
Key points
- Men and boys upheld two distinct masculinity types: 'respectability' (responsible men with jobs, houses, and families) and 'reputation' (cool men with multiple sexual partners and resources)
- Both masculine norms were used to justify dominance over women and intimate partner violence
- Youth and young adults who participated in a gender-transformative program showed divergence from traditional masculinity norms
- Gender-transformative approaches should help men and boys reflect on dynamic and conflicting masculine images
- Critical reflection on masculinity should be integrated into HIV and intimate partner violence prevention programs
Limitations
This is a qualitative study without a comparison group, so it cannot measure the magnitude of change from the gender-transformative program or isolate the program's effect from other influences. The findings are specific to Rakai, Uganda, and may not generalise to other settings.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based programs are needed to engage men and boys that encourage the transformation of concepts of masculinity that uphold patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study explores the constructs of masculinity and male gender norms surrounding sexual attitudes and IPV among men and boys living in Rakai, Uganda. METHODS: Between April and August 2017, we conducted 38 interviews and 5 focus group discussions with men and boys aged 15 to 49 years and 4 focus groups with key stakeholders to understand how male use of violence is influenced by personal, community, and society-level concepts of masculinity. We adapted 2 constructs of masculinities, reputation and respectability, in the analysis to examine masculinities in relation to IPV in the rural Ugandan setting. RESULTS: Findings suggest men and boys upheld 2 types of masculinities: respectability versus reputation. Masculine attributes related to respectability (referred to as "responsible men") included having a job, house, wife, and many children and taking care of family. Masculine attributes related to reputation (referred to as "cool men") included having sexual prowess, multiple sexual partners, and the resources to buy nice things. Both masculine norms were used to justify dominance over women and IPV. The divergence of masculinity was observed among youth and young adults who participated in a gender-transformative program, suggesting the effectiveness of the program. DISCUSSION: The gender-transformative approach should provide men and boys a chance to reflect on dynamic, often conflicting, images of a man and should empower individuals to renegotiate and reconceptualize masculine norms. This critical reflection on masculinity, which resonates with men and boys, needs to be included when engaging men within HIV and IPV prevention programs.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
Problem
Intimate partner violence against women, perpetuated by rigid and dominance-oriented masculine norms
- Intervention
- Gender-transformative program that encourages men and boys to reflect on dynamic and conflicting concepts of masculinity
- Population
- Men and boys aged 15 to 49 years in Rakai, Uganda; youth and young adults who participated in the gender-transformative program
Key finding
Both 'respectability' and 'reputation' masculinity types were used to justify dominance over women and intimate partner violence