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Published in: Journal of Family Violence 8/2016

01-11-2016 | Original Article

It is and it is not: the Importance of Context when Exploring Gender Differences in Perpetration of Physical Partner Violence

Authors: Nicole L. Johnson, Samantha C. Holmes, Dawn M. Johnson

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 8/2016

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Abstract

The literature on gender differences in perpetration of physical partner violence (PV) consists of two opposing camps: those who emphasize gender symmetry, and those who emphasize gender asymmetry. We propose a both/and approach to this controversy by suggesting that the issue of gender symmetry is complex and dependent upon context. Furthermore, we discuss how the role of personal investment in political agendas contributes to this divide in the literature. We argue that this both/and approach to inquiry will significantly contribute to the understanding of gender differences in perpetration of PV, as well inform the development of interventions for PV.
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Metadata
Title
It is and it is not: the Importance of Context when Exploring Gender Differences in Perpetration of Physical Partner Violence
Authors
Nicole L. Johnson
Samantha C. Holmes
Dawn M. Johnson
Publication date
01-11-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Family Violence / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-016-9858-3

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