Introduction
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive global issue, affecting individuals and communities across cultural and socioeconomic contexts. This essay contrasts the common sense approach to understanding GBV with a sociological analysis, highlighting their differences in depth and perspective. Furthermore, it applies the concept of the sociological imagination to explain GBV in Eswatini, a small Southern African nation with alarmingly high rates of violence against women. By exploring personal troubles within broader social structures, this analysis aims to uncover the underlying societal factors contributing to GBV in this context. The discussion will first outline the common sense approach, then contrast it with a sociological perspective, and finally apply the sociological imagination to the specific case of Eswatini.
The Common Sense Approach to GBV
The common sense approach to GBV typically relies on everyday assumptions and individual-level explanations. It often frames GBV as a result of personal failings, such as an abuser’s anger issues or a victim’s inability to leave a harmful situation. This perspective tends to blame individuals without considering broader societal influences, assuming that violence is an isolated act driven by personal choice or moral deficiency. For instance, common sense might suggest that women in abusive relationships should simply walk away, ignoring structural barriers like economic dependency or cultural norms that may trap them. This approach lacks depth, failing to question why GBV is so prevalent in certain societies or groups. It also overlooks systemic issues, such as patriarchal ideologies or economic inequalities, which perpetuate violence (Dobash and Dobash, 1979). While intuitive, the common sense view is limited in its ability to address the root causes of GBV or propose effective interventions.
The Sociological Analysis of GBV
In contrast, a sociological analysis of GBV examines the issue through the lens of social structures, power dynamics, and cultural norms. It moves beyond individual blame to explore how societal factors—such as gender inequality, economic deprivation, and institutional failures—create conditions where GBV thrives. Sociologists argue that GBV is not merely a personal problem but a reflection of systemic issues embedded in social institutions like family, education, and law enforcement (Connell, 2005). For example, patriarchal norms that position men as dominant often legitimise control over women through violence. This perspective also highlights how intersecting inequalities, such as race, class, and gender, amplify vulnerability to violence. Unlike the common sense approach, sociological analysis seeks to uncover patterns and structural causes, offering a more comprehensive understanding of GBV as a social problem requiring collective action.
Applying the Sociological Imagination to GBV in Eswatini
The sociological imagination, a concept developed by C. Wright Mills (1959), encourages connecting personal troubles to public issues, linking individual experiences to broader historical and social forces. In Eswatini, GBV is a significant concern, with studies indicating that approximately one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (UN Women, 2020). Using the sociological imagination, this personal experience of violence can be understood as intertwined with societal structures. Eswatini’s deeply patriarchal culture, rooted in traditional gender roles, often normalises male dominance and female subordination, creating an environment where GBV is tolerated. Additionally, economic dependency on men due to limited employment opportunities for women exacerbates vulnerability, as many cannot leave abusive relationships without risking poverty.
Moreover, historical factors, such as colonial legacies and post-independence political structures, have reinforced gender inequities in Eswatini. Legal frameworks also play a role; despite progressive policies like the 2018 Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, enforcement remains inconsistent due to cultural resistance and inadequate resources (World Bank, 2021). Through the sociological imagination, these personal experiences of GBV are reframed as public issues tied to systemic inequalities and institutional failings. This perspective challenges the common sense view by showing that individual solutions are insufficient without addressing wider social conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, while the common sense approach to GBV focuses on individual behaviours and choices, a sociological analysis offers a deeper understanding by examining systemic and structural factors. The application of the sociological imagination to GBV in Eswatini reveals how personal experiences of violence are shaped by cultural norms, economic constraints, and institutional weaknesses. This contrast underscores the importance of moving beyond simplistic explanations to address the root causes of GBV through societal change. Indeed, tackling GBV in contexts like Eswatini requires challenging patriarchal ideologies, improving economic opportunities for women, and strengthening legal protections. Such insights have broader implications for policy and activism, highlighting the need for collective efforts to transform the social conditions that perpetuate violence.
References
- Connell, R.W. (2005) Masculinities. 2nd ed. Polity Press.
- Dobash, R.E. and Dobash, R.P. (1979) Violence Against Wives: A Case Against the Patriarchy. Free Press.
- Mills, C.W. (1959) The Sociological Imagination. Oxford University Press.
- UN Women (2020) Eswatini Takes Bold Steps to Address Gender-Based Violence. UN Women.
- World Bank (2021) Eswatini Gender Assessment. World Bank.
