Research Proposal: Identifying Factors Contributing to Gender-Based Violence
1. Background and Rationale Section
Sources to Consider
In conducting research on gender-based violence (GBV), it is essential to identify a diverse range of sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The types of sources to consider include:
-
Academic Journals: Peer-reviewed articles provide rigorous empirical evidence and diverse perspectives on GBV. Key journals include Violence Against Women, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, and Gender & Society.
-
Books: Scholarly monographs and edited volumes on gender studies, sociology, and violence prevention can provide in-depth analyses. Titles such as "Gender-Based Violence: A World Report" could be key references.
-
Government Reports: National and international reports (e.g., from the WHO, UN Women) provide official statistics and policy evaluations.
-
NGO Publications: Reports from organizations such as Amnesty International or the World Health Organization often include case studies, surveys, and fieldwork data.
-
Theses and Dissertations: Academic theses can offer original research and insights into specific facets of GBV.
-
Documentaries and Media Reports: Investigative journalism that focuses on real cases of GBV can highlight current societal attitudes and conditions.
Identifying Sources
To effectively identify sources for the research, the following strategies should be employed:
-
Keyword Searches: Use keywords and phrases such as:
- “Gender-Based Violence”
- “Violence against women”
- “Contributing factors to GBV”
- “Interpersonal violence”
- “Socio-cultural influences on violence”
- “Feminist theory and violence”
- “Domestic abuse statistics”
-
Database Utilization: Academic databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus should be used for targeted searches.
-
Reference Lists: Review the references in relevant articles to find additional sources.
-
Conference Proceedings: Look for recent conferences focused on gender studies or violence prevention to identify emerging research.
Research Paradigm
The research paradigm that would be considered for this study is Critical Feminism. This paradigm emphasizes the social and cultural constructions of gender, power dynamics, and the structural roots of GBV. It facilitates an understanding of how societal norms, economic disparities, and institutional frameworks contribute to violence against marginalized genders.
- Justification: Critical Feminism is particularly relevant as it addresses power relations and seeks to understand how gender inequality manifests in violence. It also advocates for social change and informs policy development.
Theoretical Framework
For this research, the Social Ecological Model would be the chosen theoretical framework. This model posits that multiple levels (individual, relationship, community, and societal) influence behaviors, and it recognizes the interplay between various factors contributing to GBV.
- Justification: The Social Ecological Model provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the complexity of GBV. It allows for the exploration of interpersonal relationships, community structures, and broader societal influences, thereby offering a holistic perspective on the factors contributing to gender-based violence.
References in Harvard Style
-
Heise, L.L. (1998). Violence Against Women: An Enduring Problem. In: A. Gupta, J. E. H. H. and B. S. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Gender and Politics. Oxford University Press, pp. 191-213.
-
WHO (2021). World report on violence and health. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545615 [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023].
-
Waldner, L.K. and Weller, P. (2020). Gendered violence and the double burden of discrimination. Gender & Society, 34(1), pp. 23-46. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243219890629 [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023].
Conclusion
In conclusion, to effectively research the factors contributing to gender-based violence, a multi-source approach using academic literature, government and NGO reports, and theoretical frameworks like the Social Ecological Model is essential. Critical Feminism provides the necessary lens to understand and address the myriad influences on GBV, facilitating the development of informed interventions and policy changes.