Research Proposal: Identifying Factors Contributing to Gender-Based Violence on Campus
Ontology as a Framework
Ontology, in the context of social research, refers to the study of the nature of being, existence, and the reality that underpins social phenomena. It provides a foundational framework for understanding how various entities, such as individuals, social constructs, and relationships, interact within a given context—here, the campus environment and gender-based violence (GBV).
In the realm of gender-based violence research, ontology helps elucidate the complexities of gender relations, power dynamics, and systemic factors that contribute to such violence. It allows researchers to critically examine the constructs of gender, identity, and violence, and how they are perceived differently across various social, cultural, and institutional contexts (Glick et al., 2007).
Adopting an ontological stance that considers gender as a social construct rather than a biological determinant can provide crucial insights into the ways that GBV is perpetuated in campus settings. For instance, the definition of masculinity and femininity within a particular campus subculture can shape attitudes and behaviors towards violence. An ontological lens facilitates the exploration of these definitions, as well as the power structures and social norms that reinforce them (Connell, 2005).
Furthermore, ontology can guide researchers in identifying the intersectionality of factors contributing to GBV, such as race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. This approach recognizes that individuals' experiences of gender-based violence on campus are not monolithic but are influenced by a variety of intersecting identities and systemic inequalities (Crenshaw, 1989).
By utilizing an ontological framework, this study seeks to not only identify the factors contributing to GBV on campus but also to understand the underlying realities that shape these factors. This will enable a more comprehensive and nuanced analysis, ultimately informing interventions aimed at reducing GBV in higher education settings.
References
Connell, R.W., 2005. Masculinities. 2nd ed. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Crenshaw, K., 1989. 'Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics', University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), pp. 139-167.
Glick, P., et al., 2007. 'The Gendered Society', Social Psychology Quarterly, 70(3), pp. 217-223.
Note: When drafting your research proposal, you may consider elaborating on these references, discussing their relevance in further detail, and expanding on additional scholarly works that can augment the ontological perspective in your analysis of gender-based violence on campus.