Types of Power in Gender-Based Violence

Types of Power and Violence

• Economic Power: Control over access to goods, services, money, or favors exemplifies economic power. This control can significantly impact individuals’ ability to make independent choices.

• Psychological Force: Intimidation, threats, persecution, or psychological pressure represent psychological force. These tactics can instill fear and compliance in the target.

Gender Dynamics

• Gender-Based Violence: Typically, men are in a more powerful position in contexts of gender-based violence, contributing to the systemic nature of the issue and exacerbating inequalities.

Social Power

• Coercive Power: Peer pressure, bullying, leadership influences, and parental authority are all examples of coercive power. This type of influence can compel individuals to conform to group norms or expectations.

Coercive Violence

• Violence through Coercion: This type of violence employs coercion or pressure to compel the target to act or behave in a prescribed manner, often undermining the autonomy of the victim.