Citation

Lazarus S, Tonsing S, Ratele K, van Niekerk A. Afr. Safety Promot. 2011; 9(1): 23-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article presents a broad and exploratory review of, as well as critical engagement with, the literature on risks and protective factors to male interpersonal violence. The qualitative, thematic content analysis of 365 South African and international articles revealed a range of risk and protective factors relating to male interpersonal violence victimisation and perpetration. The risk and protective factors were clustered and are presented within the four levels of the ecological framework, namely, the individual, relationship, community and societal levels. However, a common yet paradoxical factor, across the different ecological levels, is the link between ruling masculinity norms and masculine identity to various risks as well as protective factors - pointing to a need for critical interrogation and further empirical research. The article argues that while other interventions such as those addressing socio-economic challenges related to violence victimisation and perpetration are doubtless important, the need to focus on the making of positive masculinity was identified as a key protective and violence prevention focus. In conclusion, we argue for more emphasis on the promotion of positive masculinities for the purposes of promoting safety and peace.

Language: en