A Study on Gender Norms and Masculinities From the Perspective of Young Men in Lebanon

Abstract

Using data from a Right to Play and Global Women Institute study on Gender-Based Violence, this study explores young men's perceptions of gender norms and masculinity in relation to GBV in Beirut, Lebanon. Different perceptions of masculinity and gender norms were observed and linked to the risk of GBV. This study revealed that gender and social norms were perceived as self-evident and as a natural given, as they are embedded in everyday practices in their households, communities, and society, and confirmed in legal institutions. The socio-ecological framework helped to better understand that gender norms leading to GBV occur at all system levels. The overlap between levels showed how factors at one level influence factors at another, and that preventing violence requires action at multiple levels. It starts with awareness of how the gender and social norms in which boys are embedded, contributes to GBV. Boys need to be more involved in research and programmes on GBV, and work needs to be done to raise their awareness of the harmful gender norms that can lead to GBV.