The State and Violence Against Women in Peru: Intersecting Inequalities and Patriarchal Rule

Citation:

Boesten, Jelke. 2012. “The State and Violence Against Women in Peru: Intersecting Inequalities and Patriarchal Rule.” Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society 19 (3): 361–82.

Author: Jelke Boesten

Abstract:

This article builds on long-term research looking at violence against women in both war and peace, and recently gathered data regarding persistent failure to use policy as a tool to reduce such violence in Peru. The research shows that impunity and tolerance for violence against women persists despite a state that has actively intervened to eradicate such violence for some twenty years. Including the state as perpetrator of violence in the analysis of impunity helps understand the failure of policy and legislation. Moreover, the notion of patriarchy allows us to look at a historically shaped male-centered and sexist organization of state and society, and helps understand the ambiguities in contemporary policy and legislation.

Topics: Gendered Power Relations, Sexual Violence, SV against Women Regions: Americas, South America Countries: Peru

Year: 2012