Social attributes of the male that incite the violence by intimate partner

Objective: To analyze the social attributes of masculinity that incite the practice of conjugal violence. Method : Oral Life History was used as a methodological reference. Interviews were conducted with 13 men facing criminal proceedings for conjugal violence linked to the 2 nd Vara De Justiça pela Paz Em Casa (2 nd Court of Justice for Peace at Home), in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, in April and July 2018. The data were organized according to thematic content analysis and interpreted in the light of the theoretical framework on gender. Results: Male orality reveals that the engagement in conjugal violence was related to the following constructs of masculinity: dominance over women, role as head of the family, family provider, and exacerbated sexuality. Final Considerations: Considering that some social attributes of masculinity give rise to engagement in conjugal violence, it is necessary to create spaces for reflection on how they are compromising. Descriptors: from the male point of view. The results indicate the importance of symmetry in gender relations in order to deconstruct the toxic masculinity model.


INTRODUCTION
Masculinity can be understood as a set of symbols that structures the ideal identity model for being a man, represented by attributes, functions, values and culturally determined and expected behaviors for people of the male gender (1) . Such attributes have been part of the social construction of male identity since childhood, outlining expected and socially legitimate attitudes, such as violent behavior.
Despite the existence of different types of masculinity, the model considered appropriate is grounded on a hegemonic pattern based on patriarchal constructs (2) . This model is based on conception such as heterosexuality, virility, emotional distance, honor, being the family provider, courage, strength, assertiveness, competitiveness, among others (3) . Such constructs directly influence the way interpersonal relationships are shaped in society and, in general, guide men to preserve themselves in a position of power and domination, whether in political, family, or work environments (4) .
As an example, we can think of the characteristics associated with the male provider, a construct perceived as something positive since it gives the male condition greater respect and social prestige and places him in a prominent position, moving him away from marginalization (5) . On the other hand, this same attribute can become toxic, placing him in a situation of vulnerability when you prioritize service over self-care (6) or even when you have difficulty getting a job (7) .
Another socially valued element is male honor, which is related to the dignity, esteem, and consideration of others, being associated with the social position occupied by men and based on situations considered to be positive, such as paying their debts and keeping promises (8) . Despite being considered a virtue, this masculine attribute, until the late 1970s, was commonly used to justify the practice of violence against women, including femicides, by their husbands, ex-husbands, and partners (9) , under the argument of "legitimate defense of honor. " It is clear, therefore, that this and other attributes, when used in asymmetric and domination relations, can have repercussions on situations of violence against women. Concerning this phenomenon, it is possible to observe that women from all over the world are susceptible to experiencing violence, with domestic abuse being the most frequent occurrence, especially by spouses. In Brazil, a survey of 749,024 women reveals that approximately one in ten Brazilians has already experienced some type of domestic or family violence, most of the time practiced by their spouse (10) . Even in developed countries such as the United States of America (USA), England and Wales, the numbers of conjugal violence are high, demonstrating the indistinct way in which it spreads worldwide (11) .
In addition to the violence rates in conjugality, it is also important to note its repercussions on the lives of women, with female homicide being its maximum expression. A study carried out in Turkey revealed that more than 70% of the female murders analyzed took place in the victim's home and were carried out by his companions (12) . In Brazil, 4,645 women were murdered, which represents a rate of 4.5 homicides for every 100 thousand Brazilians in 2016. In ten years, there is a 6.4% increase in femicide (13) .
When it is not lethal, the experience of violence leaves marks on women, such as hematomas, lacerations, bruises, and fractures caused by physical aggression or due to the somatization process (14) .
Concerning men, there is a gap in the production of knowledge regarding the impacts of violence experience on their health. Brazilian research revealed that the experience of preventive detention due to conjugal violence triggered male illness, expressed by mental impairment such as sadness, low self-esteem, apathy, and depression; as well as physical damage, such as gastric and sleep pattern changes, headache, tachycardia and hypertension (6) .
Considering the magnitude of the problem and that social constructs influence male behavior for such conduct, we considered essential to know which male attributes, used in a toxic way, raise the engagement in conjugal violence. For this, we adopted the following research question: What social attributes of masculinity incite the engagement in conjugal violence.

OBJECTIVE
Unveiling the social attributes of masculinity that incite the engagement in conjugal violence.

Ethical aspects
We contacted the research members by phone and invited them to participate in the study, informing about its relevance and objectives, rights to participate or not in the research, as well as to withdraw at any time, and information anonymity and confidentiality. To this end, men were identified using alphanumeric coding (M1, M2 ... M13), using the letter M, followed by numerals characterizing the order of the interviews. Those who agreed to participate signed the free and informed consent form. Thus, the ethical precepts recommended by Resolutions 466/12 and 510/2016, of the National Health Council, were respected. It should be noted that the project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the UFBA (Federal University of Bahia) School of Nursing (CEPEE / UFBA).

Theoretical-methodological framework
Within the theoretical framework of gender, this study was supported by Scott, whose understanding of gender starts from the observation of social relationships and experiences lived throughout history, thus forming a social identity (15) .

Type of study
Qualitative research based on the Oral History of Life method since it refers to the narrative of men's experience in the face of the attributes of their masculinity.

Methodological procedures
The approach to collaborators was made possible by their participation in Reflective Groups with Men (RGM) developed by researchers (s) linked to the Study Group "Violence, Health, and Quality of Life, " at the Nursing School of the Federal University of Bahia. The objective of these groups is to promote educational activities directed at men who respond legally for conjugal violence, aiming to prevent, reduce and suppress domestic violence against women, as proposed by of Social attributes of the male that incite the violence by intimate partner Silva AF, Gomes NP, Pereira A, Magalhães JRF, Estrela FM, Sousa AR, et al.
Law 11.340/06, known as the Maria da Penha Law. It is noteworthy, therefore, the insertion of the primary researcher in the reflective workshops to approach the participants. There were no conflicts of interest, as this approach is methodologically recommended to deepen the interviews in Oral Life History (OLH) (16) .

Study scenario
The study scenario was the 2 nd Vara De Justiça pela Paz Em Casa (2 nd Court of Justice for Peace at Home), located in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Data source
Thirteen men were intentionally selected, respecting the inclusion criterion: to be facing criminal proceedings for conjugal violence at the referred institution. Those who were absent from two meetings scheduled for data collection were excluded. It is worth mentioning that, by valuing the narratives emanating from the data collection process, the Oral Life History (OLH) allows the delimitation of the number of participants based on the saturation of the contents of the speeches, without the need for a high number of people integrating into the study (16) . Besides, the methodological framework adopted values the deepening of memories apprehended throughout narratives, to the detriment of the number of participants.

Data collection and organization
Data collection took place from April to July 2018, by retrieving the participants' Oral Life History. The semi-structured interview was used, contemplating sociodemographic aspects (age, religion, race/color, education, family income) and the following guiding question: What situations incited the engagement in violence in your marital relationship? It is noteworthy that the dialogue was established through a common, simple, and direct language. The interviews were conducted by the primary researcher individually, with an average duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, in a location previously agreed with the participant.

Data Analysis
The methodological steps proposed by Oral History were followed to systematize the interviews. Thus, initially, all recorded oral content was transcribed in full with the support of a text editing program. Then, the textualization was carried out, a phase in which the speech is organized according to the first person singular, excluding unnecessary elements and identifying the central ideas of each narrative, and transcreation, the logical organization of the text (16) .
After this process, the material written by the participants was checked, and they signed the letter of assignment. In order to maintain the methodological rigor and scientific validation of the study, the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) -was met.
After authorization for the use of the textual corpus, we also covered the stages of content analysis of a corpus of life stories, which aims to establish a summation of the different stories. In this way, each life story was analyzed horizontally, so that it is possible to consider it as a single element of information. After that, the categorical organization was carried out, in which we fragment the corpus into different categories based on units of meaning. Thus, each interview is subdivided into themes that, when grouped, form a global theme (17) . At the end of these steps, the following thematic categories emerged: "Dominance over women, " "role as head of the family, " "Family provider, " and "Exacerbated sexuality. " The interpretation of the data took place in light of the gender references, from the perspective of Scott (15) .

RESULTS
The 13 research participants were aged between 27 and 54 years old, and most of them declared themselves to be black (11), religious (12), having higher education (6), and a family income of two to ten minimum wages (8).
The social attributes of masculinity that incite the engagement in conjugal violence were presented in the following categories.

Dominance over women
The study also reveals the dominance of men over their partner, who must be controlled and monitored daily, considered as natural behavior violating the right to come and go, freedom to express themselves and relate to others, especially with their friends. The female behavior considered inappropriate by the spouses also incites conjugal violence.

Role as head of the family
The discourse of men, facing criminal proceedings for conjugal violence, emerges for the understanding that the establishment of rules for the home is an inherently masculine behavior. All must obey such rules, and, in the face of their non-observance, men resort to even physical aggression.
The man is the head of the marriage, that is, he is the one who must guide the house, impose rules and everyone must obey so that everything goes as it should [...] when she did not obey my orders, we argued, I cursed her. They need to understand that the last word has to be ours. We must not be contradicted. (M8) As the man of the house, I had to determine the rules, and they must be followed. When that didn't happen, mainly due to my wife's lack of respect, I had to take action. I started screaming, lost control, and punched and kicked her. (M13) of Social attributes of the male that incite the violence by intimate partner Silva AF, Gomes NP, Pereira A, Magalhães JRF, Estrela FM, Sousa AR, et al.

Family Provider
The narratives raise the perception of being a man as the person responsible for providing for the family, which includes house, wife, and children expenses. Such understanding refers to the male belief of the domestic sphere as a space for women, who should not carry out paid work activities, a determination that, when not accepted, generate strife and even physical aggression.

Exacerbated sexuality
From the perspective of the research participants, the relationship with multiple partners is something that is part of the male instinct, which refers to the popular character of marital betrayal. However, the female attitude, in the face of not accepting infidelity, predisposes the male engagement in violence.

DISCUSSION
The research participants' orality reveals that the domination of the man over the woman, expressed by the control of friendships, the use of the cell phone, and the places frequented by her, presents itself as one of the attributes of masculinity that incite the engagement in violence in conjugal relations. A study carried out in India, which also identified male domination from authoritarian behaviors, from the imposition of rules in the relationship and in the way women should dress, points out about the socio-historical character of such behaviors, based on patriarchy (18) . Despite the advances in discussions regarding women's rights from a gender perspective, it is clear that the power of patriarchy still looms, so that female non-submission to spouse's orders makes her vulnerable to conjugal violence.
The attribute of masculine power over feminine is taught from an early age. National and international literature shows that, since childhood, men and women have been instructed in male dominance, such as the power of men over women and their subservience without questioning (19)(20) . Such learning occurs, for example, when children witness violence between their parents or when they are direct victims of aggression, as pointed out in a study carried out in the USA, which also affirms their tendency to naturalize and reproduce these models in their future relationships (21) . Thus, we infer that the normative, controlling, and disciplinary power of men over women is configured as a social construct of masculinity.
Patriarchal society attributes to man the authority not only over the woman but also over the children, which refers to the position of the family head, another construct of masculinity. Another national study also showed control over the education of children and the imposition of norms on the partner's behavior as elements that incite conjugal violence (22) . It is worth noting that women who leave the position of subordination, traditionally intended for them, tend to be punished through violent acts, in some cases, even being killed (23) . The male understanding presents such domination as one of his roles, controlling his family, including women, through the standardization of rules (24)(25) . This strategy is used by men to maintain the hierarchical structure that puts them in a position of power (26)(27) .
Even when women have paid work activities, and they have a superior financial situation than that of their partners, to the point of promoting the livelihood of the home, the role as head of the family usually remains as belonging to the man. This phenomenon may be related to the fact that women understand that this is a strictly male role, idealizing patriarchal family organization (28) . This situation is anchored at the social demand for having a male reference at home, a factor culturally presented as a condition for the success of the family. This belief explains the social pressure on women who escape this pattern and lead single-parent families: in addition to fearing that their children will be stereotyped negatively as the result of an unstructured family, they need to account for the responsibilities that are imposed on them and also prove to society that they are capable (29) .
In our study, family provision emerged as a construct of masculinity. The support for the family appears in the statements as inherent to the male condition, which is essential and indispensable for reaching and stabilizing this position. From an early age, boys are positively reinforced about work, not only as a means of guaranteeing the maintenance of their personal and family expenses (28) but mainly for the preservation of honor and male power (20) .
However, while boys are encouraged to paid work, girls are instructed in household chores (30) , concepts also revealed in the participants' testimonies. This social understanding, which is rooted in the construction of masculinity, often makes women vulnerable, exposing them to situations of violence in conjugality (31) . This because when the woman decides to break with the hierarchical and unequal system imposed, deciding to perform work activities outside the domestic scope, they are frequently subjected to abuse (32)(33) .
The stimulation of an exacerbated sexuality had also been introjected as a structuring component of masculinity and impressively expressed in the participants' marital relationship. Men, when perceiving themselves as legitimate to have a libertine relationship with other women, suggest that this behavior is inherent to the masculine (34) . Accordingly, a study carried out with men from Cambodia revealed that they perceive marital betrayal as something natural, which is part of their instinct and 7 of Social attributes of the male that incite the violence by intimate partner Silva AF, Gomes NP, Pereira A, Magalhães JRF, Estrela FM, Sousa AR, et al.
masculinity (35) . For many men, marital betrayal is perceived not only as a male instinct, but also as a provider's right, and therefore, extramarital relationships are considered natural (22,36) . Since women are given the place of permissiveness (37) , the nonacceptance of marital betrayals catalyzes situations of violence in the conjugal sphere (38) . A national survey that listened to 19 women revealed that the partner's infidelity incites conflicts between the couple, as women tend to question such behavior, which generates conjugal violence (36) . A study carried out in Spain also found that most cases of conjugal violence are motivated by male betrayal, and when the woman decides to separate, she also begins to suffer threats and even situations of physical violence (39) . Thus, when they are betrayed, women are more likely to suffer violence, either because they protest or because they decide to separate, and it is up to them to ensure their protection, only to accept the betrayal without question.
In the face of such social attributes constitutive of masculinity that have repercussions in situations of conjugal violence, spaces for reflections related to the toxic character or not of these attributes and their impacts on the quality of life are needed, not only for men but, above all, for everyone they interact with. North -American study reveals that these types of interventions, although little used, are effective concerning the process of deconstructing toxic behaviors, as they rise in their participants the need to change their conduct in favor of a more equitable society (40) . We hope, therefore, to encourage masculinity models whose attributes are based on more proportional relationships, thus contributing to harmonious and respectful conjugal relations.

Study Limitations
The study has as a limitation the regionality of the collection and the unilateral presentation of the question, only from the male point of view. The results indicate the importance of symmetry in gender relations in order to deconstruct the toxic masculinity model.

Contributions to the health area
Nursing plays a relevant role in the identification of constructs before the realization of violent acts and in the search for strategies to prevent them since it contributes to the development and coordination of educational actions and is also in a prominent position for establishing links with others social spaces, such as school, through the Health at School Program (Programa Saúde na Escola -PSE), or the legal environment. Thus, it can contribute in both to the creation of spaces for reflection with male individuals, adolescents and adults, about how these constructs compromise inciting the engagement in violence, to stimulate the social deconstruction of gender and allow the construction of proportional relationships in future conjugal bonds and, consequently, prevent conjugal violence.
In addition to these spaces, professional nurses who work in the emergency sectors can, from the knowledge of these attributes that cause violence, identify vulnerabilities and problems in their family and social context. This evidence would allow the implementation of health promotion actions, from referrals to the areas of social service, psychology, and sectors of the network of attention to violence against women, in conjunction with other agencies, such as legal, aiming at the creation of socio-educational strategies for men.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Oral History of the participants reveals that the dominance over women, position as head of the family, family provider, and exacerbated sexuality are social attributes of masculinity that incite the engagement in conjugal violence. The speeches expressed such elements as intrinsic and indispensable characteristics of being a man so that any women's insubordination behavior that threatened the maintenance of this model of masculinity was considered a trigger for the practice of violence.
We observe that the concepts and behaviors elucidated in this research reflect the perpetuation of historical principles about what is expected for people of the male gender. This hegemonic pattern of masculinity, in turn, puts men in a position of power and superiority over women, which is responsible for abuses and violence, sometimes lethal, against this public.