Background
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across various demographics, but its impact on campus populations is particularly alarming. With the increasing number of universities and colleges around the world, understanding the factors contributing to GBV in these settings is crucial. The campus environment often presents a unique nexus of societal norms, peer pressures, institutional cultures, and power dynamics that can exacerbate or mitigate instances of GBV. This research proposal seeks to examine these contributing factors, aiming to provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and advocacy groups.
Rationale
The rationale for this research stems from multiple intertwined factors:
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Prevalence of GBV on Campuses: Reports indicate that a significant number of students experience GBV during their academic years, often leaving lasting psychological, emotional, and academic repercussions. Understanding the specific factors contributing to GBV in this population is essential in addressing the issue effectively.
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Lack of Comprehensive Research: Although some studies exist, there is still a notable gap in culturally relevant and context-specific research that focuses on GBV within specific campus environments. This research aims to fill that gap by exploring the unique social and institutional factors that contribute to GBV on campuses.
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Need for Tailored Interventions: Identifying the factors influencing GBV can lead to more effective prevention and intervention strategies. By understanding these factors in depth, institutions can formulate policies that protect students and create a safer campus environment.
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Intersectionality: GBV does not occur in a vacuum; it is influenced by a myriad of social, cultural, and economic factors, as well as intersecting identities. This research seeks to consider these complexities, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of GBV on campuses.
Significance
The significance of this research is multifaceted:
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Policy Implications: The findings will serve as a valuable resource for university administrations in formulating evidence-based policies that address GBV.
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Awareness and Education: By shedding light on the contributing factors to GBV, the research can inform educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness among students about consent, respect, and healthy relationships.
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Resource Allocation: Understanding the nuances of GBV on campus can guide resource allocation towards support services for victims and educational programs for prevention.
Conducting a Literature Review
To conduct the literature review, the following steps will be undertaken:
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Identifying Sources:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles focusing on GBV in higher education settings.
- Reports and white papers from educational institutions, government organizations, and NGOs.
- Books or book chapters that discuss GBV through sociological, psychological, and cultural lenses.
- Conference papers and presentations related to GBV.
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Keywords:
- "Gender-Based Violence"
- "Campus Safety"
- "Higher Education"
- "Sexual Assault"
- "Intimate Partner Violence"
- "Social Norms and GBV"
- "Polarization and Power Dynamics in Education"
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Databases and Search Engines:
- Google Scholar
- JSTOR
- PubMed
- Scopus
- Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)
- Social Science Research Network (SSRN)
Research Paradigm
The research will adopt a critical paradigm, emphasizing understanding social injustices and power imbalances that contribute to GBV. This paradigm is suitable because it focuses on the context of oppression and seeks to empower marginalized voices, which is essential to understand the nuances of GBV in campus environments.
Theoretical Framework
The research will utilize Feminist Theory as the primary framework. Feminist Theory is significant because it addresses issues of power, gender inequality, and societal norms that contribute to violence against women and marginalized groups. This framework will aid in analyzing the systemic factors that perpetuate GBV on campus, as well as exploring the lived experiences of those affected.
In summary, this research proposal aims to illuminate the multifaceted factors contributing to Gender-Based Violence on campuses, underscoring the necessity of contextualized research to inform effective policies and practices.