Conflict within intimacy: a socio-demographic analysis of male involvement in violence against intimate partners in Mexico

Juan Manuel Contreras, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Sarah Salway, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

In Mexico, research has found intimate partner violence perpetrated by men against women (IPV) to be a serious problem. This study explores the determinants and context of partner violence in Mexico from the male perspective. To be able to understand the conditions in which conflict results in violence or not, both violent and non-violent men are investigated. A national survey of reproductive health is used to examine the association between IPV and relevant socio-demographic and contextual characteristics. Data from a quantitative sample survey (N=500) conducted among male factory workers is analysed to explore more specific quantitative information related to IPV. Qualitative data gathered through in-depth interviews are used to interpret and contextualize the patterns found from the quantitative analysis. Findings suggest that IPV varies according to the life cycle of the couple. Two main topics of the dynamic of the relationship were shown important: a) the relative fulfilment of gender roles; b) the necessity of men to control the sexuality of their partners. The severity of violence experience during the childhood is also a key theme for understanding IPV.