Davis, B.M.; (2011) Men, masculinities and emotion: understanding the connections between men’s perpetration of intimate partner violence, alcohol use and sexual behaviour in Dharavi, Mumbai. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Background: An increasing men's studies movement attempts to understand how different masculine norms affect men's health and behaviour and how behaviours such as alcohol use and violence act as ways of coping both with the pressure to fulfil masculine norms and with emotional distress. However, the vast majority of this work has been in western contexts. This study sought to extend this fairly western-centric work by examining the relationships between gender norms, emotional distress and men's alcohol use, perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual behaviour in a low-income area of Mumbai, India. Methods: Secondary quantitative data (n=2,381) from a survey of men in three low-income districts in Mumbai were analysed in order to identify psychosocial factors associated with men's perpetration of IPV, alcohol use and extramarital sex. A period of fieldwork was undertaken in Dharavi, Mumbai in 2009-10 which included in-depth interviews with 29 married men, aged 21-52. Results Quantitative analyses found evidence for associations between men's ability to fulfil masculine norms and perpetration of IPV as well as psychological distress. Qualitative interviews highlighted the range of norms men were exposed to, defended and contested. Many men struggled to fulfil dominant notions of masculinity. In addition, many men had poor emotional and social support, frequently dealing with distress on their own. Men reported using behaviour such as alcohol use, violence and extramarital sex as ways of dealing with difficult emotions, social isolation, as well as a range of difficulties in their marital relationships. Conclusion: Norms around masculinity and the effects these have upon men emotionally are important in understanding men's involvement in these behaviours in this context. Understanding men as gendered as well as emotional beings is important in engaging with a wide variety of men in order to bring about lasting social as well as behavioural change.

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