Thesis (Ph.D. (Literature and Philosophy)) --University of Limpopo, 2021 / The purpose of this study is to examine the violation of men’s rights in selected Xitsonga drama texts. The study is guided by qualitative approach. The approach involves collecting and analysing non - numerical data to understand concepts, opinions or experiences. In this study purposive sampling is employed. The researcher deliberately chooses who to include in the study based on their ability to provide the necessary data. Data are collected using content and document analysis from sampled drama texts. Like other analytical methods in qualitative research methods, documents analysis requires that data be examined and interpreted in order to elicit meaning, gain understanding and develop empirical knowledge. The advantage of document analysis includes, efficiency which means that it is not time consuming but is more efficient than other research methods. Its effectiveness entails that it is less costly and makes it the method of choice. Thematic analysis is also used as the method of systematically identifying, organising and offering insight into patterns of meaning (themes) across dataset. The process involves a careful more focussed, re – reading and review of data. Two main reasons to use thematic analysis are its accessibility and flexibility. Nhlonipha theory is tested in this study. Hlonipha can be described as politeness register originating from Nguni and primarily used by Zulu women before and after marriage (Rudwick & Msibi, 2016). The motive behind using this theory is that if you hlonipha you cannot violate another person’s rights but you will have to respect them. The study finds out that men become victims of abuse, and the violation of their rights is just as criminal as the violation of the rights of their female counterparts. This study also inspires harmony and peaceful coexistence among consumers of its content. It is recommended that more studies of similar kind should be undertaken to influence humanity to desist from violating the rights of other human beings. KEYWORDS Man abuse, woman abuse, child abuse, human rights, violation of rights, nhlonipha

Tidigare forskning om våld i nära relation berör främst mäns våld mot kvinnor. Det finns en kunskapslucka om förekomsten av och kunskapen om mäns våldsutsatthet. Majoriteten av studier om våld mot män omfattas av kvantitativa studier. Den här studien syftar till att genom kvalitativa intervjuer, undersöka hur våldet mot män i heterosexuella relationer tar sig uttryck och hur mannens uppbrottsprocesser kan se ut, för att jämföra det med den kunskap som finns tillgänglig om kvinnors våldsutsatthet. Studien syftar även till att undersöka vilken hjälp och stöd som finns att tillgå. De teoretiska utgångspunkter som används innefattar teorier om våld, normaliseringsprocessen, uppbrottsprocessen, norm- och genusteorier. Urvalet innefattar fem våldsutsatta män som tidigare erfarit våld i heterosexuell relation. Studiens resultat tyder på att samtliga former av våld förekommer i de relationer där män utsätts för våld. Deras uppbrottsprocesser överensstämmer väl med teorier om kvinnors uppbrottsprocesser, vilket antyder att männen upplever samma svårigheter att lämna relationen. Ett utmärkande drag för våldsutsatta män kan kopplas till normer och förväntningar på könsroller, samt att det bidrar till ökade skam- och skuldkänslor. Mörkertalet av våldsutsatta män kan därmed förklaras genom att män inte söker hjälp och stöd på grund av skam, lågt förtroende för rättsväsendet eller okunskap om vart de kan vända sig. De konsekvenser som framkommer till följd av våldet överensstämmer väl med forskningen om kvinnor, där konsekvenserna tenderar att bli långvariga. Genom att normalisera mannen som våldsutövare försvåras möjligheten för våldsutsatta män att få rätt hjälp att hantera eller komma ur den destruktiva relationen. / Previous research on intimate partner violence mainly concerns mens violence against women. There is a knowledge gap about the occurrence and knowledge of mens experience violence, the majority of studies are quantitative studies. This study aims to, through qualitative interviews, examine how the violence against men in heterosexual relationships takes form and how the processes of breakup can be compared with the knowledge available about womens violence, and investigate the available support. The theoretical perspectives include theories of violence, the normalization- and breakup processes, norm- and gender theories. The sample includes five mens experience on intimate partner violence in heterosexual relationships. The results indicate that all forms of violence occur to men subjected to intimate partner violence. The processes of breakup resembles the theories of womens processes, which indicates that men experience the same difficulties in leaving the relationship. A distinctive characteristic of men who are victims of intimate partner violence can be linked to the norms and expectations of gender roles and that contributes to increased shame and guilt feelings. The number of men exposed to violence can thus be explained by the fact that men do not seek help and support because of shame, low confidence in the legal system or lack of knowledge about where they can turn to for help. The consequences that result from the abuse are similar to research on women, where the consequences tend to be prolonged. By normalizing the man as the perpetrator, makes it difficult to get the right help and leave the destructive relationship.

Many studies on intimate partner violence often focus on men as perpetrators and women as victims, but this study shifts the focus to men's experiences of being victims of violence. Using the theories of stigma, masculinity, and script theory, the authors aimed to address the study's purpose, which was to investigate how men articulate their experiences of violence in close relationships. Additionally, the study explored the strategies employed by professionals working with abused men to effectively counteract the stigma associated with the challenges posed by ideals of masculinity. A qualitative approach was employed, involving the analysis of self-narratives from podcasts where abused men shared their experiences. Simultaneously, two interviews were conducted with welfare professionals specializing in assisting abused men, combining primary and secondary data. The authors concluded that the issue described by both men and welfare professionals is highly complex. Stigmatization and societal norms of masculinity present significant obstacles to men being open about their experiences of being victims of violence and seeking help. By fostering awareness of these norms among professionals and adapting support strategies accordingly, conditions are created for abused men to feel validated during the help-seeking and treatment processes.

MA (Psychology) / Department of Psychology / See the attached abstract below

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Gender-based violence (GBV) has become a global epidemic and it affects those who are most vulnerable in society, predominantly women and children. Several causal factors have been identified, which include gender norms, socioeconomic inequalities, and South Africa’s violent history. There are many organisations (governmental and non-governmental) that are committed to reducing GBV. However, even with many interventions in place, the prevalence of GBV in South Africa keeps on rising. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the perceptions of 3rd year psychology students at the University of Limpopo regarding the inclusion of men in GBV prevention campaigns. The study used two theoretical frameworks, namely, Social Learning Theory and Feminist Theory. Purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of 16 students (10 females, and 6 males), and the data was analysed using a Thematic Analysis (TA) approach. Three major themes and five subthemes emerged from the analysis, which was supported by existing findings. The themes were identified as GBV prevention campaigns, GBV and government interventions, and GBV knowledge and perceptions. The results of the study found that students had an adequate understanding of GBV prevention campaigns. Their understanding informed their perceptions, which leaned towards supporting the inclusion of men in GBV prevention campaigns. Their perceptions were geared towards a multi-gender approach aimed at increasing awareness, protecting the rights of GBV victims and demanding justice for them. Furthermore, a multi-gender approach was seen as a silver bullet to championing the fight against GBV and stressing the impact that the inclusion of men will have in lowering GBV cases. The current GBV prevention campaigns (both at government and non-governmental levels) were seen as not effective enough in the eradication of GBV. Therefore, a call for a multi-gender approach to GBV prevention campaigns at all societal levels was emphasised. Community-based initiatives (i.e., social organisations) in GBV prevention campaigns were also seen as crucial in the eradication of GBV. / HWSETA ( Health and welfare Sector for Education and Training Authority)

Text in English / Given the high rates of male homicides, victimisation and the perpetration of violence by men in South Africa, the prevention of interpersonal violence among males constitutes a major public health priority. The lack of effective strategies to address the onset and effects of exposure to violence foregrounds the need for innovative strategies to address this problem in South Africa. Within this context, this doctoral study’s primary research objective was to evaluate the processes and steps used to plan, design and develop a community-based violence prevention intervention that mobilised spiritual capacity and religious assets to promote positive forms of masculinity, and peace and safety. This doctoral research was part of a broader study entitled, ‘Spiritual Capacity and Religious Assets for Transforming Community Health by Mobilising Males for Peace and Safety’ (SCRATCHMAPS), which aimed to identify and mobilise spiritual capacity and religious assets, in particular communities in South Africa and the USA, in order to address interpersonal violence. This study was framed by a critical public health lens, and was guided by a Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) orientation and community engagement strategy throughout every step of the development of the intervention and the initial evaluation of the manual development process. The overall research design was a participatory process evaluation. Methods used for this process evaluation included community asset mapping, surveys, focus group discussions, research-based workshops, diary reflections, a photo-documentary, meeting minutes, process notes and participatory observations. The analysis of the multiple sets of data was conducted appropriately, relevant to the particular data collection methods pursued and the demands of both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. Findings from this study confirm the utility and efficacy of using a critical public health framework enacted through CBPR for developing an intervention that addresses the complexity of violence. The results further demonstrated that a strength or asset-based, gender-sensitive approach, with men working alongside women, is conducive to promoting positive forms of masculinity to create safety and peace. / Psychology / Ph. D. (Psychology)

Text in English / Given the high rates of male homicides, victimisation and the perpetration of violence by men in South Africa, the prevention of interpersonal violence among males constitutes a major public health priority. The lack of effective strategies to address the onset and effects of exposure to violence foregrounds the need for innovative strategies to address this problem in South Africa. Within this context, this doctoral study’s primary research objective was to evaluate the processes and steps used to plan, design and develop a community-based violence prevention intervention that mobilised spiritual capacity and religious assets to promote positive forms of masculinity, and peace and safety. This doctoral research was part of a broader study entitled, ‘Spiritual Capacity and Religious Assets for Transforming Community Health by Mobilising Males for Peace and Safety’ (SCRATCHMAPS), which aimed to identify and mobilise spiritual capacity and religious assets, in particular communities in South Africa and the USA, in order to address interpersonal violence. This study was framed by a critical public health lens, and was guided by a Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) orientation and community engagement strategy throughout every step of the development of the intervention and the initial evaluation of the manual development process. The overall research design was a participatory process evaluation. Methods used for this process evaluation included community asset mapping, surveys, focus group discussions, research-based workshops, diary reflections, a photo-documentary, meeting minutes, process notes and participatory observations. The analysis of the multiple sets of data was conducted appropriately, relevant to the particular data collection methods pursued and the demands of both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. Findings from this study confirm the utility and efficacy of using a critical public health framework enacted through CBPR for developing an intervention that addresses the complexity of violence. The results further demonstrated that a strength or asset-based, gender-sensitive approach, with men working alongside women, is conducive to promoting positive forms of masculinity to create safety and peace. / Psychology / Ph. D. (Psychology)