SAIC final technical report : SurveyMonkey

Abstract

The report features findings in relation to “Understanding non-violent male identities for safe and inclusive cities.” Urban violence and criminality are intertwined with gender identities, sexuality and violence. Young men, disempowered by unemployment and poverty, seek ways to affirm their male identities. Findings showed the main drivers of joining criminal activities was to have access to girls and women, to impress women, and to compete with men. Young men seek older women who have a house and family, to reach the status of socially recognized manhood. The impact of trauma on gender identity construction is the strongest factor to predict use of violence at all levels of society: individual, family and community. The research indicates some clear suggestions for policy change.