Cultural gender role beliefs and domestic violence within South Asian immigrant communities

Abstract

Domestic abuse is highly prevalent yet significantly underreported within South Asian immigrant communities. Cultural gender role beliefs held closely by South Asian families have been closely linked to increased vulnerability to abuse and reduced help-seeking. This qualitative study aimed to explore how these beliefs may be contributing to the manifestation and perpetuation of domestic violence within the South Asian immigrant community. Using a multiple case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three South Asian immigrant women. Interviews explored the participants' perspectives on how cultural gender role beliefs may have impacted the abuse experienced and created barriers to seeking support. Thematic analysis and cross-case comparison revealed six themes: (a) acceptance of abuse due to its normalization in marriage, (b) expectations of the “good” wife and husband, (c) power dynamics within the family hierarchy, (d) discouragement of women’s autonomy, (e) perseverance of marriage through the sacrifice of safety, and (f) “what will people say?” - the detrimental impact of divorce. Findings showcase that women experience a lack of autonomy and agency as a result of how gender role beliefs are understood and portrayed within the patriarchal and hierarchal structures of the South Asian community. These expectations and power dynamics create unique sites of violence and vulnerability that perpetuate the normalization of abuse and discourage help-seeking. Implications include the need for increased awareness and access to resources and initiatives to strengthen women’s autonomy and encourage dialogue within South Asian communities.