Gender Violence: Resistance, Resilience, and Autonomy

Gender Violence: Resistance, Resilience, and Autonomy argues that resistance to and cultivating resiliency within a culture of gender violence is key to fostering autonomy. It presents a novel approach to autonomy development under everyday threats of violence, appealing to empirical research to ground its philosophical analysis. Self-defense training is identified as a significant strategy contributing to resistance and resilience, leading to autonomy development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Gender Violence: Resistance, Resilience, and Autonomy is a 2022 Choice Reviews Outstanding Academic Title that explores the ways in which individuals from marginalized groups, such as those threatened with harm based on their gender and sexuality, face restrictions to choice and action, which can impair their autonomy. The book argues that resistance to and cultivating resiliency within a culture of gender violence is essential for fostering autonomy. Drawing on decades of research that philosophically interrogates autonomy and its limits, as well as the author's martial arts background spanning over twenty-five years, Professor Burrow develops a novel approach to autonomy development under everyday threats of violence. The theory presented in this book establishes that cultivating self-confidence through self-defense training is a significant strategy contributing to resistance and resilience under threats of violence and hence, autonomy development.

The book begins by examining the various forms of gender violence and the ways in which they impact individuals' autonomy. It highlights the ways in which gender-based violence is used as a tool to control and subjugate individuals, and how it can limit their ability to make choices and take actions that are in their best interests. The author argues that resistance to gender violence is essential for fostering autonomy, as it allows individuals to assert their rights and assert their agency.

One of the key strategies for cultivating resistance to gender violence is through self-defense training. The author argues that self-defense training can help individuals develop the skills and confidence necessary to defend themselves against violence. This training can also help individuals develop a sense of self-worth and self-confidence, which can be particularly important for individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse.

However, the author also recognizes that self-defense training can be challenging for individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse. It can be difficult to trust others and to engage in physical activity, and it can also be emotionally traumatic. The author provides strategies for addressing these challenges, such as working with a trained therapist or using mindfulness and meditation techniques.

In addition to self-defense training, the author also explores the role of social support in fostering autonomy. Social support can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and support, and can help them to cope with the challenges of gender violence. The author argues that social support can be particularly important for individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse, as it can help them to rebuild their sense of self-worth and self-confidence.

The author also explores the role of policy and legislation in fostering autonomy. Policy and legislation can provide individuals with legal protections and can help to prevent gender violence. The author argues that policy and legislation can be particularly important for marginalized groups, as they may be more vulnerable to violence.

However, the author also recognizes that policy and legislation can be challenging to implement. It can be difficult to change the attitudes and behaviors of individuals who engage in gender violence, and it can be difficult to ensure that policies and legislation are effective. The author provides strategies for addressing these challenges, such as working with policymakers and advocating for change.

In conclusion, Gender Violence: Resistance, Resilience, and Autonomy is a 2022 Choice Reviews Outstanding Academic Title that explores the ways in which individuals from marginalized groups, such as those threatened with harm based on their gender and sexuality, face restrictions to choice and action, which can impair their autonomy. The book argues that resistance to and cultivating resiliency within a culture of gender violence is essential for fostering autonomy. The author provides strategies for cultivating resistance to gender violence, such as self-defense training, social support, and policy and legislation. While the book recognizes that these strategies can be challenging to implement, it provides strategies for addressing these challenges.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 229 x 150 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498578875