Symbolic violence among adolescents in affective dating relationships

Abstract

Objective: Understanding how adolescents signify their affective relationships and situations of conflict/violence within the dating context. Method: A qualitative research with an empirical group comprised of adolescents from a state/public school, using focus group techniques and interviews. Th e analysis was performed through the interpretation of meanings method based on the hermeneutic-dialectical perspective. Results: A total of 19 adolescents participated in the study. Two central theme categories emerged: "Meanings of adolescents' affective relationships" and "From the (de)construction of symbolic violence to the expression of other forms of violence". Conclusion: Th e results show that it is possible to understand situations from affective adolescent relationships in which the legitimation of symbolic violence against women is identified. We believe that acting on the origin of violence at the beginning of adolescents' relationships is the best way to fight or minimize it, aiming for democratizing gender relations and preventing conjugal violence.