Key Social Norms Take-aways This study demonstrates that two dominant, context-dependent masculine norms—“reputation” (cool masculinity) and “respectability” (responsible masculinity)—shape men’s identities and justify violence against women in Rakai, Uganda. Masculinity tied to sexual prowess and dominance over women is socially rewarded among peers, while responsibility, marriage, and fatherhood are valued by the broader community. Both forms uphold male dominance and contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV). However, younger men exposed to gender-transformative programming voiced more equitable views, suggesting that targeted interventions can shift these norms.
Objectives To explore how constructions of masculinity influence attitudes toward intimate partner violence and gender norms among men and boys in Rakai, Uganda, and to inform the design of gender-transformative violence prevention programs.
Methods The study employed qualitative methods including 38 interviews and 5 focus group discussions with men and boys aged 15 to 49 years and 4 focus groups with key stakeholders. All participants (N=111) were recruited via RCCS, an open cohort, longitudinal HIV surveillance study. Data were collected in five communities and analyzed using constructivist grounded theory. The analysis applied two constructs of masculinity—reputation and respectability—to examine how these ideals are socially constructed and linked to IPV perpetration.
Intervention Details While not an intervention evaluation, the study included participants who had previously engaged in RHSP’s “Stylish Man/Stylish Living” gender-transformative campaign. The program emphasized HIV prevention and promoted non-violent, health-focused, respectful male identities. Participants’ positive reflections on the campaign suggested its effectiveness in influencing gender-equitable attitudes.
Results Findings revealed that reputational masculinity emphasized sexual dominance, multiple partners, and peer approval, while respectable masculinity focused on responsibility, family, and provision. Both were used to justify IPV, particularly in contexts involving sexual control, decision-making, and discipline. Men described violence as a way to maintain power when masculinity was threatened, especially when women used contraception covertly or declined sex. However, younger men who had engaged with gender-transformative messaging expressed support for mutual respect, condom use, HIV testing, and non-violence. This generational divergence suggests normative shifts are underway.
Conclusions Masculine norms in Rakai both reflect and reinforce male dominance and IPV, but gender-transformative approaches can challenge these norms. Programs must recognize the dual influences of peer and community expectations, and create safe, reflective spaces for men to redefine masculinity. Multilevel strategies that engage men, peers, families, and broader communities are essential to disrupt harmful norms and promote gender equity.