Differences Between Men and Women in the Acceptance of Gender Roles and Stereotypes in Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Background/Objective: Intimate partner violence against women is a widespread form of gender-based violence present in societies of all types. Among the possible factors implicated in its existence are gender stereotypes and cognitive distortions of a sexist or violence-justifying nature. Thus, a general population survey was designed with the aim of studying gender differences in the acceptance of gender roles and stereotypes, and violence against women in intimate relationships. Method: A total of 391 participants from the general population (61.9% women) aged from 18 to 67, responded to measures of the internalization of gender norms or mandates based on differential socialization, distorted thoughts about women and the use of violence, beliefs about intimate partner violence, and social desirability. Results: Men scored higher on different types of sexism and stereotypes, on stereotypes related to motherhood, and romantic love generally attributed to women. Converse, no gender differences in the justification of violence were observed. Likewise, no significant differences were found for the educational level factor. Conclusions: The implications of the results for the contents of prevention and intervention programmes asre discussed.