Images of femininity, violence and definitions of masculinity in men's narratives

It is important to understand the forms of power, power and domination socially attributed to masculinity through the relations between men and women. Understanding the social and cultural causes of these dynamics of hegemony that underlie men's violence against women is a necessity for the elimination of violence. The aim of this research is to understand hegemonic masculinity through men's experiences, to examine men's definitions of femininity and their approaches to violence against women. This study examines the patriarchal hierarchical relationship system shaped in the context of men's family relationships in childhood, mother and father relationships, and marital relationships in adulthood. In addition, the research examines in depth the representation of the constructs attributed to the definitions of "masculinity" and "femininity" within the social, cultural and patriarchal network. From this point of view, in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 men who had a cautionary decision within the scope of the Law No. 6284 on the Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence against Women, selected within the framework of the data obtained from the official records of the Violence Prevention and Monitoring Center Directorate of Uşak Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services. The study, which applied qualitative research methodology, focused on men's life stories and experiences of violence. In this dissertation research, firstly, the demographic information of the participants was compiled, and then their definitions of femininity and masculinity in everyday life were deepened through their childhood and family experiences and their marital/cohabitation experiences. In addition, the ways of defining the identity of the perpetrator of violence and the norms of masculinity were focused on, and the data obtained from men's suggestions for solutions against violence were discussed by mentioning the codes of masculinity on the axis of violence. According to the results of these data, it is seen that men are considered the most important actor associated with violence in socially nourished power constructs. It is concluded that this form of power is established in childhood through family relations and legitimized and reproduced in adulthood through relations between men and women.