Research Proposal: Identifying Factors Contributing to Gender-Based Violence on Campus
Ontology as a Paradigm
Ontology, in the context of research methodologies, refers to the study of being, existence, and the nature of reality. It encompasses the assumptions and beliefs about what constitutes knowledge and how that knowledge can be understood. In addressing the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) on campus, an ontological approach allows researchers to explore the multifaceted nature of reality that shapes individual experiences and societal structures related to GBV.
Justification for Using Ontology in Research on Gender-Based Violence
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Understanding Subjective Experiences: Gender-based violence is a complex social issue that affects individuals differently based on their personal, cultural, and social contexts. An ontological perspective recognizes that each individual's experience of violence is valid and reflective of their unique reality. This understanding is crucial for capturing the nuanced nature of GBV on campus, as it allows for an exploration of how different identities (e.g., gender, race, socio-economic status) influence perceptions and experiences of violence (Buchanan et al., 2019).
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Exploring Social Constructs: A significant aspect of GBV is the interplay between social norms, attitudes, and institutional policies. By adopting an ontological paradigm, researchers can examine how societal constructs of gender and power contribute to the prevalence of violence in campus settings. This approach enables a comprehensive investigation into how traditional gender roles and expectations manifest in relationships among students (Bradbury-Jones, Breckenridge, and Millar, 2018).
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Addressing Intersectionality: Ontology is essential in recognizing the intersectionality of factors contributing to GBV. Different identities intersect to create unique experiences of violence and oppression (Crenshaw, 1989). An ontological approach allows researchers to consider how race, sexuality, disability, and other identities collectively influence the risk and nature of GBV on campus, facilitating a deeper understanding of the systemic factors at play (Hankivsky et al., 2014).
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Promoting Inclusive Methodologies: An ontological perspective encourages the use of qualitative methodologies, which are crucial for understanding the lived experiences of survivors and perpetrators of GBV. Qualitative research methods, such as interviews and focus groups, allow for the collection of rich, detailed narratives that provide insight into the pervasive factors that contribute to GBV on campus. This approach contrasts with purely quantitative methods, which may overlook the complexities of personal experiences (Mason, 2018).
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Informing Policy and Practice: By understanding the diverse realities of GBV from an ontological standpoint, researchers can contribute to the development of informed policies and interventions that address the root causes of violence on campus. Recognizing the reality of GBV through multiple lenses will help educational institutions implement more effective prevention strategies that cater to the diverse needs of their student populations (Koss et al., 2014).
Conclusion
Using ontology as a foundational paradigm for exploring gender-based violence on campus offers a rich framework for understanding the complexities and various dimensions of the issue. It supports a comprehensive examination of both individual experiences and broader social constructs, leading to more nuanced insights and practical recommendations for addressing GBV in higher education settings.
References
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Bradbury-Jones, C., Breckenridge, J., & Millar, K. (2018). The impact of intimate partner violence on women's health: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 82, 182-189. doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2018.01.007.
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Buchanan, M., Whelan, S., & McMahon, J. (2019). The social context of youth violence: The role of gender norms. Youth & Society, 51(5), 661-681. doi:10.1177/0044118X17724444.
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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), 139-167.
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Hankivsky, O., Grace, D., & Chouinard, V. (2014). Intersectionality in health policy: Rethinking gender and health. Health Policy, 113(1), 231-238. doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2013.06.005.
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Koss, M. P., Gidycz, C. A., & Wisniewski, N. (2014). The sexual experiences survey: Reliability and validity. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(2), 455-457. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.55.2.455.
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Mason, J. (2018). Qualitative researching. SAGE Publications.
This proposal utilizes an ontological framework to comprehensively explore the significant social issue of GBV, which afflicts college campuses, and offers a structured methodology to examine the underpinning factors contributing to this behavior.