Research Proposal: Identifying Factors Contributing to Gender-Based Violence on Campus
Theoretical Framework
For this research proposal, I will consider the Social Ecological Model (SEM) as the theoretical framework. The SEM provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors that contribute to behaviors and issues like gender-based violence (GBV) on campus. This model is particularly pertinent for analyzing GBV because it recognizes that individual behaviors are influenced by broader social contexts, thus allowing for a multidimensional exploration of the issue.
Rationale for Using the Social Ecological Model
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Multi-Level Understanding: The SEM allows for the examination of factors at varying levels—individual (e.g., personal history and experiences), relationship (e.g., peer influence and intimate partner dynamics), community (e.g., campus culture and policies), and societal (e.g., societal norms and values regarding gender roles). This multidimensionality is essential for building a complete understanding of GBV on campus (Heise, 1998).
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Intervention Strategy: By using the SEM, interventions can be designed that address multiple levels of influence, making them more effective. Targeting only individual-level factors may not lead to sustainable changes if broader environmental and societal factors are not also addressed (Bronfenbrenner, 2005).
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Cultural Sensitivity: The SEM takes into account the cultural and contextual factors that may influence GBV, acknowledging that different campuses may have unique characteristics that shape the prevalence and acceptance of such violence (World Health Organization, 2010).
References
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Bronfenbrenner, U. (2005). Making human beings human: Bioecological perspectives on human development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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Heise, L.L. (1998). 'Violence against women: An end and a means to achieving gender equality', Journal of Gender and Development, 6(1), pp. 151-158. doi: 10.1080/13552074.1998.9960455.
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World Health Organization (2010). Preventing intimate partner and sexual violence against women: Taking action and generating evidence. Geneva: WHO.
This framework will guide the research in identifying the multifaceted factors that contribute to gender-based violence on campus and help formulate effective interventions and policies aimed at reducing such violence.