'I Had a Hard Life': Exploring Childhood Adversity in the Shaping of Masculinities Among Men Who Killed an Intimate Partner in South Africa

• NCJ Number: 236592
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 51 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2011 Pages: 960-977
• Author(s): Shanaaz Mathews; Rachel Jewkes; Naeemah Abrahams
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 18 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: South Africa Medical Research Council Cape Town
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This paper explores the childhoods of 20 men who were incarcerated for the murder of their intimate partner.

Abstract

South Africa has a female homicide rate six times the global average, with half of murdered women killed by an intimate partner. The gendered nature of such murders indicates the need to explore the masculinities of men who kill an intimate partner. This paper explores the childhoods of 20 men who were incarcerated for such murders and draws on 74 in-depth interviews with these men, family and friends. This study found that traumatic childhood experiences increases emotional vulnerability, resulting in their feeling unloved, insecure and powerless. We argue that they adopt violent forms of masculinities to achieve respect and power. Yet, there is no linear relationship between traumatic childhood experiences and adopting violent masculinities. (Published Abstract)