This article discusses a specific crime - assault - usually registered in domicile victimization surveys, as compared to stealing and robberies. It debates whether rational choice theory is suitable to understand crimes as registered in theses surveys. As far as assault is concerned, this theory is unable to explain the association between social context and victimization risk, markedly different for women and men, as well as more linked to power and recognition than to material gains or assets. Furthermore, the differences between feminine and masculine patterns of victimization by assault could not be interpreted only by the commonly used theory of the patriarchal family, and should be illuminated by recent changes in urban life, family patterns and in the construction of masculine identities and practices, as suggested by the theories of hyper masculinity or warrior ethos. This may be useful for changing public policies aiming prevention of violence in interpersonal relationships.
Victimization; Gender; Favela; City; Hyper masculinity
