Final Post

Colombia is a South American country widely known for its rich heritage and diversity of ethnic and linguistic citizens. It is known as one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, encompassing rainforests, highlands, grasslands, deserts, and coastlines. Although it is a common tourist destination for people across the globe, many travelers overlook the traditions and cultures that underlie all that beauty. No one seems to want to admit the extreme barriers that have been built to benefit and hinder certain people based on their gender, but they are all too real. Perhaps the most notable occurrence that has been found through extensive research is the targeted and normalized domestic abuse against females within Colombian couples. Preliminary research signs of this violence were exhibited through statistics. One study showed that an average of one woman is killed every three days, and fifty-five cases of sexual violence are reported daily, oftentimes at the hands of husbands and/or boyfriends (Moloney 2018). Regardless of whether or not this abuse is physically or sexually abusive, women are falling victim to those that they should be comfortable enough to put all of their trust into. Instead, they tend to feel trapped in the relationship. Oftentimes, this results in unintended pregnancies, putting even more of a burden on the female role of childbearing and raising. A 2000 study revealed that 38% of Colombian women at at least one unintended pregnancy directly related to physical or psychological abuse (Pallitto, et al 2004). This detrimental domestic abuse towards Colombian women is certainly worthy of being analyzed and deserving of a voice to stand out in support of relief. 

In studying anthropological topics of the world such as this, it is important to consider theoretical models and ideas in order to best organize thoughts and perspectives. There is no doubt that this occurrence in Colombia relates closely to the feminist theoretical model and assists in understanding the social, cultural, political, and economic determinates of domestic abuse. Oftentimes feminist theorists focus their studies on a few major points to determine the ways in which gender impacts said inequality, and whether or not it would exist without the basis of gender. So, throughout this research, many points of the feminist theory’s existence will be noted to consider where on the scale of inequality it best fits (anywhere from individually to nationally). For example, the methodologies used and described by researchers at the University of Alabama’s department of anthropology speak of the specific focus on roles, statuses, and contributions of women in their respective societies (Dominguez et al., 2017). Because of this barrier that women face in such social hierarchy, we notice the impact of gender specifically and the ways in which one gender is severely oppressed. Colombian domestic culture proves many women’s roles are demeaning, statuses below those of men, and household contributions are tremendous. Although there are certainly other inequalities that are abundant and problematic in Colombia, the feminist theory takes action in dealving into whether or not certain inequalities are rooted from the basis of gender, and whether or not these roles affect the community’s ideas and behaviors (Heise 1993).

The man’s role in Colombian culture has been dominant since even colonial times, to the extent of it even having a title. Machismo has been molded into a word that describes an important way of life. More importantly, it essentially mandates the importance of the man of the household’s superiority over any other family member. Although it may have worked cohesively in history, today it has resulted in strict segregation between the man and woman roles in and out of the house, ranging anywhere from simple chores to even life goals (Segrest, et al. 2003). Through this mindset that has been engrained into the Colombian culture over centuries, wives have been expected to put their husband’s wishes before their own which results in a significant societal setback. For example, men are expected to be the ‘breadwinners’ of the family, providing them with social and economic mobility, whereas women should stay home with the children and tend to the home, only further holding them back in society. Through a man’s eyes, however, the woman’s roles do not contribute to the well-being of the home nearly as much as his own, and therefore he is entitled to be treated like a king. This cultural belief is so firmly ingrained in the minds of Colombian men that they feel as though he is in ownership of the wife and therefore can be punished due to poor performance, while the wife is led to believe that it is deserved. There is no doubt that power similar to this constructs and enforces the oppression of the targeted demographic, in this case women (Gellner and Stockett, 2006). These actions directly relate to the feminist theory of anthropology as it proves that Colombian women are being mistreated simply becuase the opposing gender views their counterparts as having lesser-than roles in society, and can therefore be treated like property. It is disappointing to find that not only do men hold this idea of machismo literally, but women have fallen victim to its ideas as well. Segrest and her team studied this idea to find whether such findings studied through the feminist perspective were indeed the case, or if such actions of the Colombian people were simply innate. To the expectations of many, it seemed that there was significant evidence that not only in Colombia, but also other countries across the globe, that these masculine superior gender roles are certainly not innate and rather almost entirely influenced by cultural factors (Segrest, et al. 2003). When applying these findings to the culture of Colombia, I found shocking correlations. It seems as though this domestic violence has been a common occurrence for generations. Young boys watch as their fathers assert their dominance on his mother, and learn what he should feel he is entitled to in life, while young daughters admire their mother’s strength and learn how to keep quiet and move on. In an article titled, Violence against women: the hidden health burden, this violence is described as being a hidden obstacle to economic and social development by draining a woman’s energy and confidence, therefore depriving society of full participation. With such physical and psychological scars, women are unable to lend their labor or ideas fully (Heise 1993). It is important to consider not only the individual physical and psychological health impact that this domestic abuse takes a toll on, but also the well-being of the entirety of the country in this way. 

The feminist theory urges researchers to consider all aspects of life that have some relation to the topic being studies, and therefore the policial and economic standing of Colombian women as a result of domestic abuse is essential. It seems as though although the Colombian government is aware of the actions that are so commonly occurring on their grounds, little is being done to make for change. Previously, leaders were claiming that there were bigger issues that needed to be resolved at hand, but now that the armed conflicts of the late 20th century have been settled, it is concerning to find that still little action has been taken. Paula Gaviria, the presidential advisor, claims that now that the nation’s civil war has ended, issues like these will gain more large-scale focus. She says that the unfortunate macho culture of the country, “condones violence, blames women for abuse inflicted on them and perpetuates traditional roles that expect women to stay at home and raise children” (Moloney 2018). If this trend of women being viewed as lesser than their male counterparts, the Colombian society will certainly not be able to flourish and modernize as quickly as other countries around the world that value their women. Without having the ability to expand and apply their skillset to a range of positions, it is difficult to gain the same economic independence and dominance as their male counterparts. It is interesting to consider that the Colombian government is not only disregarding the wellbeing of their women, but also the wellbeing of their own country. As previously mentioned, these women are often stuck at home raising children that were unintended or conceived with a man she does not want to be with. Therefore, she is likely not putting her entire strength and energy into best raising this child who is eventually the future of the country. If she had the opportunity to have children with whom she wanted, when she wanted, the child will in turn grow to be happier and more successful. Rather than a never ending cycle of maltreatment and abuse amongst Colombian families, what if that cycle consisted of prosperous children and excitable wives? This happiness amongst the wives would encourage them to give back to the country that has done so well to them, and perhaps create innovations for the entire population. Unfortunately, the Colombian political system has a long list of important things that they see imperative to be taken care of, and the wellbeing of women is not very high up. What they do not realize is blocking off this half of the population is not doing any good for any of the other problems they see as being of the utmost importance. 

Many of the journal writings and scholarly articles that study this common occurrence in Colombian culture end their pieces with some idea of suggestions towards the Colombian people of how to solve this problem. This shows that the world is certainly concerned about the well-being of Colombian women, and not simply studying them like lab rats. Many who take the time to analyze the culture are invested in humanitarian rights and the health of the women affected. It is fair to acknowledge the small strides Colombia has done, which include enacting a law that uses education to raise awareness about violence among women within the country, which was aimed not only to save lives, but also encourage women to gain economic independence through employment which has been proven to lead to a lower rate of violence in other countries (UN Women). In 2006, the country partially liberalized its abortion law in an effort to  implement a safer women’s healthcare system. The problem with this, although a major stride in women’s healthcare, is that it does not affect the negative cultural stigma on women who choose not to bear their unborn child, even if he or she is conceived out of trauma or abuse, not to mention the expensive medical fees. In order to continue prospering in this sense, the country should consider providing such services in a timely manner at primary level facilities in order to cut costs and expedite procedures (Prada, et al 2013). Research has also proven that Colombia is in a desperate need of including intimate partner violence screening and treatment in reproductive health care systems. Oftentimes because of this cultural ingrainment of machismo, women are afraid to speak out for help even to their closest friends or family, due to the fact that many of them deal with the same struggles. She fears that she may be seen as weak or as an inadequate wife. If she was able to speak her mind in a protected and private environment such as this, she may be able to receive the help she deserves. This would certainly improve the social and political response to intimate partner violence (Pallitto, et al 2004). While there is plenty of room for recommendations to be made towards the Colombian state to fulfill its duty to act with due diligence to guarantee the rights of women to truth, justice, reparation, and non-recurrence, it is impossible to expect change without action. In order to do so, many researchers suggest that the national and local governments accompany each other in implementing new policies that support women’s organizations and the agendas of women for development with the intention of not only changing law, but also culture for the better (Envise 2015). It is important to acknowledge the fact that this country has finally understood the problems that it’s citizens are facing, but continue to push them for further development. There is no doubt that these abusive actions towards women directly relate to the feminist theory in a sense that such abuse of the body and mind results in women being stuck multiple steps behind men in the societal progression ladder for generations, simply for being born in the less dominant gender.  

Moloney, Anastasia. (1 Feb. 2018). “To End Violence against Colombian Women, ‘Look inside Homes’:…”www.reuters.com/article/us-colombia-rights/to-end-violence-against-colombian-women-look-inside-homes-government-idUSKBN1FL6Q0.

Pallitto, Christina, and Patricia O’Campo. (Dec. 2004). “The Relationship between Intimate Partner Violence and Unintended Pregnancy; Analyses If a National Sample from Colombia.” www-jstor-org.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/stable/1566490?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents.

Heise, Lori. (1993). “Violence against Women: the Hidden Health Burden .” apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/48688/WHSQ_1993_46_No.1_p78-85_eng.pdf.

Dominguez, Johnna, et al. (24 Apr. 2017). “Feminist Anthropology.” anthropology.ua.edu/theory/feminist-anthropology/.

Sharon L. Segrest, Eric J. Romero and Darla J. Domke‐Damonte. (2003) “Exploring the role of machismo in gender discrimination: a comparison of Mexico and the US”. pp. 13-31.

Geller, Pamela L and Stockett, Miranda K. (2006). Feminist anthropology : past, present, and future.

Moloney, Anastasia. (1 Feb. 2018). “To End Violence against Colombian Women, ‘Look inside Homes’:…” www.reuters.com/article/us-colombia-rights/to-end-violence-against-colombian-women-look-inside-homes-government-idUSKBN1FL6Q0.

UN Women. “Step It Up: Colombia Commits to Strengthen Gender Equality Policies, Eliminate Gender Disparities in Education, Reduce Female Unemployment, Implement a Plan on Ending Gender-Based Violence.

Prada, Elena, et al. (Sept. 2013). “The Cost of Postabortion Care and Legal Abortion in Colombia.” www-jstor-org.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/stable/1566490?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents.

Envise. (2015). “Survey on the Prevalence of Sexual Violence Against Women in the Context of the Colombian Armed Conflict.” www.oxfamamerica.org/static/media/files/COLOMBIA_SURVEY_SEXUAL_VIOLENCE_EXEC_SUM.pdf.

Leave a Reply