Based on the research findings I have come across since the introduction of this course, my argument is that the combination of feminist theory and social learning theory is a complete and dynamic framework for understanding the complex nature of violence and abuse in adulthood.
Feminist theory is a framework that centers around the pervasiveness of gender imbalance and power asymmetry in crafting interpersonal relationships (De Coster et al., 2021). This fact, namely that societal norms and expectations contribute significantly to the continuation of violence and abuse, with particular reference to women and disadvantaged groups, is underlined. Feminists unearth gender-based IPV to reveal power dichotomies and the injustices that act as triggers for violence between intimates.
The central notion of feminist theory is to discover and evaluate the role of gender relations in different spheres of human behavior. This stresses the reinforcing role of deeply rooted societal norms and gendered expectations that make it hard to unlearn and break the cycle of violence. In such a context, women and already disadvantaged groups are negatively affected, mainly because they are exposed to institutionalized discrimination and inequality in power relations.
The study of IPV within feminist theory is essential for fully exploring the diversity of reasons why such events happen (De Coster et al., 2021). This theory informs a gender-based approach to IPV since it reveals the specific concerns peculiar to the intimate relationships of the victims. It reveals that the power inequality rooted in the structures of society leads to the cycle of violence; therefore, the solution will require addressing individual actions and broader systemic issues as well.
Besides, the theory of feminism reveals the connectedness as well as the interdependence between power inequalities and systemic oppression as a considered cause of violence within intimate relationships (De Coster et al., 2021). The framework recognizes those factors and proposes a holistic approach to eradicating the root of violence. This includes challenging the norms that support gender discrimination and promoting places where people can flourish as healthy beings and relationships are equal.
In short, the feminist perspective calls for radical changes in the paradigm of seeing interpersonal violence. It promotes critical analysis of the social structures that favor gender-based violence and puts across the importance of collective actions to demystify these structures. This lens allows a thorough examination of the intricacies of intimate partner violence and serves as a basis for more inclusive prevention and intervention programs.
In contrast, social learning theory is mainly concerned with social control factors such as socialization and observational learning, which are the main drivers of human behavior (Li, 2022). The social learning theory is the recognized tool through which human beings learn or imitate via models that show violence and the support of imitating negative influences. It is about the way childhood trauma, for instance, can affect our behavior in adulthood through the mechanisms in the functioning of the brain. Along with social learning theory, the influence of social context and environmental factors has been considered significant contributors to the development of behavior.
The completion of the connection between individual and social experiences that explain why people are violent in adulthood can be achieved by a combination of insights from feminist theory and social learning theory (Li, 2022). Feminist theories are applied through a lens of critical research to see how power structures and power gaps between genders exist. However, social learning theory reveals that the bad ones were taught and reinforced over the generations.
We can also point out that these theories have their restrictions, and they have to be considered. The critique of feminist theory, which only views gender issues other than race, class, and sexuality, is also a contentious point of her theory. Thus, the social learning theory may lead to an over-simplification of highly complex human behavior and may inadvertently overlook structural factors that indeed play a crucial role in the perpetual occurrence of violence and abuse.
The author explains Social learning theory with great excitement and detail when studying the in-depth processes of how humans learn behavior by watching and receiving awards for their actions (Li, 2022). It immortalized the role of representing violent experiences to very impressionable children as the primary source of violent behaviors. This perspective broadens its scope by covering the early stages of life and highlighting the power of childhood events to determine an individual’s character when he matures. The science of violence dates back to early world roots and proves dominance was the key priority.
The synthesis and usage of social learning theory and feminist theory result in the creation of a model that incorporates not only the social but also personal problems of violence and abuse. The feminist theory stemming from the power difference and injustice between genders can be seen as a perfect combination of social learning theory that studies the learning process and how violence is maintained. The combination of these approaches makes it possible to understand the root cause of the problem and the surrounding circumstances that keep it existing, thus adding strength to the prevention and intervention efforts.
The feminism theory that identifies power relationships and gender inequality provides a perspective whereby immense social structures in the community arising from violence can be analyzed. It highlights the imbalance of power and the importance of gender stereotypes. It helps us see the roots of the violence and abuse multiplied by these factors. Although social learning theory covers how violence is learned and reinforced during socialization, the cognitive-developmental approach explains how a person develops cognitively with different stages of maturity. It also emphasizes the role of imitation and consolidation in behavior building, mainly during the first stage of life, i.e., elementary school.
While differentiating individual perceptions and social impact on violence and abuse, they come as a paradox that leads to holistic knowledge about apparently complex phenomena. This broad-based strategy pinpoints the primary triggers and emphasizes the application of multilayered prevention and intervention approaches. Through the use of socio-structural and behavioral approaches, the complex problems of violence and abuse are addressed more accurately and provide a more comprehensive method of promoting healthy, equitable relationships.
On the contrary, spending ample time scrutinizing these theories reveals some inherent limitations that still need to be considered. Feminism, a theory that focuses mainly on gender, receives an influx of criticism that may eventually make it overshadow other forms of oppression like race, class, and sexuality. Therefore, the identification and resolution of the interconnected dimensions of oppression is the key to the mosaic of the multifaceted phenomenon of violence and abuse.
Furthermore, the social learning theory shines a light on learning mechanisms, but it could lack the complexity and thoroughness of social factors that create and sustain violence and abuse (Li, 2022). The theory, concerned with how individuals learn from observation of models and their environment, gives weight to the role of modeling and reinforcement. Notwithstanding, it may omit the social structures and context that determine violence-related behaviors.
The critical analysis of power relationships and gender disparity in feminism offers a meaningful contribution to the societal part of violence by calling on the systemic issues that should be addressed. Nevertheless, it is valid to note its critique for not considering other parallel structures of exploitation since violence mainly results from the interaction of these interconnected systems. Through examining race, class, and sexuality along with the other causes, a more multifaceted approach can be considered to comprehend and suspend the varied roots of violence entirely.
To summarize, it would be wrong to assume that the theories do explain the cause of adult violence and abuse. Nevertheless, feminist and social learning theories intersect, creating a comprehensive and practical framework for studying these complicated dynamics. Integrating diverse theoretical standpoints can help develop complicated techniques for intervention and prevention that focus on the primary causes of violence and the development of supportive, nonviolent behaviors. This synthesis not only enriches our understanding of violence but also lays the groundwork for more effective strategies to foster a society free from the shackles of abuse and violence.
References
De Coster, S., & Heimer, K. (2021). Unifying Theory and Research on Intimate Partner Violence: A Feminist Perspective. Feminist Criminology, 16(3), 155708512098761. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557085120987615
Li, C. K. W. (2022). The Applicability of Social Structure and Social Learning Theory to Explain Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Across National Contexts. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(23-24), 088626052110721. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605211072166
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