RESPONSIBLE DISINHIBITION: ALCOHOL AND MEN’S VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Abstract:
Theories about alcohol's role in stranger
violence abound. Theories about alcohol's role in
'domestic violence' do not. The targets of such violence
differ as does the nature of the violence towards them.
Theory needs to reflect this. This article reviews key
theories linking alcohol and violence. Further, it reports
women’s point of view about the role of alcohol in their
partner's violence. The results of the research are
summarised and placed within the theoretical model,
'Responsible Disinhibition'. The model is grounded in the
women's views and highlights individual responsibility for
violence regardless of the level of intoxication. Finally,
this article argues that theory needs to reflect the sociocultural
context in which it was constructed - a context
that combines two culturally male and culturally tolerated
behaviours - heavy drinking and violent behaviour.
full text article in English (.EN) |