Measuring satisfaction with the gender role as a predictor of gender-based violence. An operational proposal.

Abstract

Gender-based violence is the consequence of numerous causes and predisposing factors. Among these, dissatisfaction with the gender role, both of one’s own and of the partner, can play a role. Dissatisfaction has been related to violence especially with respect to the distribution of power within the relation-ship (Kaura, 2001). In this regard, the role of primary socialization and the trans-mission of traditional values relating to the asymmetry of power in the relation-ship has also been highlighted (Avakame, 1998). Dissatisfaction is believed to arise from the incomplete matching between expectations and perceptions (Ol-iver, 1980). Expectations arise from family experiences, cultural models transmit-ted through education, and gender stereotypes. Perceptions depend on how subjects feel their experience of current or potential partners. Based on these considerations, this paper reviews the techniques and scales currently used for measuring dissatisfaction. A new method, called the “4Q model”, is also pro-posed for measuring the phenomenon.