The cultural significance of gender violence and femicide

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to analyze the cultural meaning of gender violence and femicide, which is incorporated into the values, beliefs and social behavior embodied in the residues of the patriarchal system. Describing, sociologically interpreting and understanding the cultural meaning of discrimination and gender violence, embedded in ideas and behaviors, requires defining culture as a web of meanings. Based on a case description, the common aspects of violent situations that possibly lead to femicide are identified. The framework for this description is the domination-subordination power structure, and ideas of masculinity and honor. A conclusion is that cultural meanings of gender violence and femicide can largely explain their perdurability in societies such as ours, which have advanced institutionally and legally in prosecution and prevention.