Men’s perceptions on factors contributing to the emergence of intimate partner femicide (IPF) in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Generally, men are associated with characteristics of masculinity such as showing leadership, being tough, hiding emotions, being virile, and likely being perpetrator of violence. In contrast, women are associated with femininity characteristics such as following orders, being sensitive, showing emotions, being fertile, and likely being victims of violence. Given these characteristics, women are mostly killed; mostly by men they are in a relationship with. The researcher is proposing to look into what men perceive as contributing factors to the emergence of Intimate Partner Femicide; focusing in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The phenomena of femicide and Gender-Based violence have recently turned to be a huge priority in the Republic of South Africa; particularly to Social Workers. While Limpopo Province may not be in the top 3 provinces on femicide cases, the recent resurgence in this rural dominant province triggered the researcher’s attention. The goal of this qualitative study was therefore to develop an in-depth understanding of factors that contribute to the emergence of Intimate Partner Femicide in Limpopo Province. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to explore and describe men’s perceptions on contributory factors to the emergence of femicide. Men aged 18 to 59 permanently living in Limpopo province were targeted to be participants for this study. Understanding of how men perceive intimate partner femicide was considered by the researcher to be of great help to Social Workers, and other related professionals in better preventing this conundrum through relevant legislative framework, policies and programmes from rising. Social workers should put more effort into creating programmes to control men's emotions, with emotional intelligence serving as the primary focus.