| This study has assessed and provided empirical evidence for hypotheses that link structural and cultural factors to male coercive behavior towards women in marital cohabitation in Colombia. Support was not found for the hypothesis that women from rural areas are abused more often than those in urban areas. To the contrary, women from rural areas suffered less abuse. Even though women from rural areas did not have comparable opportunities in the labor market to their urban counterparts, their work, nevertheless appeared to be appreciated and needed. Regional differences were also found regarding male coercive behavior towards women. The Colombian regions were characterized by distinctive social class, race, ethnicity, type of family structure, and type of masculinity. It was found that child abuse was the most important predictor of male coercive behaviors towards women in marital cohabitation in Colombia. Child abuse was most common in Colombian regions where traditional gender roles are socially accepted and supported by religion. |
