The role of patriarchal structure and gender stereotypes in cyber dating abuse

A qualitative examination of male perpetrators experiences

Bibliographic Data

ID5609709
AuthorsRula Odeh Alsawalqa (0000-0002-5605-5444, Department of Sociology The University of Jordan Amman Jordan, corresponding author), Maissa N Alrawashdeh (Department of Sociology The University of Jordan Amman Jordan)
Year2022
Volume73
Issue3
Pages587-606
Publication date2022-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Journal of Sociology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0007-1315 • E-ISSN: 1468-4446
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1468-4446.12946
PMID35644007
OpenAlexW4282041688
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited68

In Jordan, premarital romantic relationships are still socially unacceptable as they contradict traditional values and norms. Although previous studies have examined cyber dating abuse (CDA), few have utilized an exploratory qualitative design to clarify male abusers' perceptions of their motivations, particularly in Arabic and clan environments. Therefore, this study conducted a thematic qualitative analysis of 47 male university students aged 19-26 and asked about their experiences and beliefs regarding their engagement in CDA against female romantic partners via social media (WhatsApp, Facebook) and mobile phone. Two themes were identified: (1) contexts and motivations for male perpetration of CDA (2) consequences of CDA for the male perpetrators. The results revealed that control and direct aggression and sexual behaviors are common practices among male perpetrators; gender identity and male entitlement are related factors, enabling and normalizing male abusive behavior. Women, taught to be submissive by Jordanian society, are unable to defend themselves. Hence, CDA also predicts offline intimate partner violence-related behaviors. Moreover, the main motives for CDA from the perspective of male perpetrators are anger, jealousy, revenge, abandonment, feeling betrayed by female partners, earning money, sexual exploitation, and incitement by another woman. The results suggest that engaging in CDA behaviors can negatively impact perpetrators' physical and psychological health as well as their social and academic behaviors. These results confirm that efforts to reduce CDA that may lead to domestic violence against women must address the social pressures and context of violence, including masculinity and patriarchal domination

Abandonment (legal · Aggression · Anger · Developmental psychology · Jealousy · Masculinity · Qualitative research · Shame · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Psychology · Social Psychology

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