Patriarchy, Masculinities and Gender-Based Violence in Rural Communities

The premise of this chapter is based on the considerable body of evidence from the UK and beyond that masculinity has particular characteristics and manifestations in rural areas—from internally focused repression and mental health problems (including a high prevalence of suicide within the farming community) through to domestic violence, sexual assault, rape and murder. Issues arise from within traditional rural communities and also amongst those who choose, for various reasons, to move from urban to remote locations. From a social work practice perspective (including from the author’s direct experience), this chapter will look at the evidence and explore this rural theme—a subject that has received scant attention in the UK social work literature. The chapter will also touch upon other forms of gender-based violence, including embedded homophobic prejudice against sexual minorities. The chapter takes a feminist position in relation to patriarchy and its symbiotic relationship with masculinity.