Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Criminology

Major Professor

Ráchael A. Powers, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Richard K. Moule Jr., Ph.D.

Committee Member

Lyndsay N. Boggess, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Deena A. Isom, Ph.D.

Keywords

collectivism, culture, domestic violence, marianismo, victimization

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pressing public health concern in the United States (US), particularly for women. Some studies have shown that Hispanic and Latina women are at an elevated risk of experiencing IPV due to a notable passiveness of violence among traditional Hispanic and Latina women. Thus, it is crucial for research to examine the effects of sociocultural variables—such as cultural orientation, gender norm beliefs, and ethnic identity—on IPV within this demographic, particularly for women in the US. Furthermore, while the experiences of IPV victimization among Hispanic and Latina women have begun to be recognized in the broader literature, there remains a lack of understanding regarding how they perceive partner abuse and define victimization generally. To address these gaps, the present dissertation uses primary data gathered through an online survey of 507 cisgender, Hispanic-identifying women to examine the relationships between sociocultural factors and experiences and definitions of IPV, respectively. Using intersectional and LatCrit frameworks, the present dissertation also explores how cultural beliefs and definitions of IPV may vary across Hispanic and Latina women subgroups, including nativity status and racial background. Lastly, where appropriate, the interaction effects of resiliency—a characteristic frequently acknowledged of Hispanic and Latina women—on these relationships are examined. Results suggest that traditional gender characterizations like marianismo may be ill-fit to explain experiences and definitions of IPV. More generally, it underscores the diverse ways sociocultural variables can impact different sub forms of IPV experiences and definitions. The present dissertation advocates for a more comprehensive assessment of quantitative measures and encourages the incorporation of qualitative research to effectively contextualize these findings. Future research endeavors should approach these considerations thoughtfully, prioritizing the well-being of these women and exploring the implications of their intersecting identities.

Download

Share

COinS