Structural Machismo: Understand How the Idea of Male Superiority is Related to Violence Against Women
The article discusses how structural machismo, rooted in society for centuries, contributes to gender-based violence against women.
The article examines how structural machismo is a significant factor driving gender violence, highlighting the deep-seated belief in male superiority that reduces women to objects of possession. This dangerous perspective prompts aggressive reactions from men, particularly when faced with the end of a relationship, showcasing the urgent need to address and dismantle these harmful attitudes. In interviews for a special series by TV Globo aimed at raising awareness about violence against women, experts in psychology and philosophy discuss the importance of deconstructing this ingrained culture in order to achieve gender equality.
Psychologist and psychoanalyst Luiz Felipe Andrade and professor and philosopher Sandro Sayão underscore that the social construction of gender roles perpetuates machismo as a historical practice. They argue that confronting and transforming societal perceptions of masculinity is critical to reducing violence and promoting respect for women. The need for societal change is echoed in their recommendations for educational initiatives aimed at fostering equality and dismantling the myths surrounding gender superiority.
The article serves as a wake-up call for society to recognize the persistence of structural machismo and its devastating consequences on women's lives. It emphasizes that meaningful progress in combating gender-based violence hinges on collective efforts to challenge patriarchal norms and advocate for the rights and autonomy of women, which are fundamental for establishing a more equitable society.