Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence among Men in Lesotho: A Social Constructivist Analysis

The study used social constructivism within the qualitative research paradigm to examine perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV) among men in Mokhotlong, Lesotho. Thus, data were collected from a snowball sample of 10 men aged between 18 and 35, who admitted to ever committing IPV, using face-to-face in-depth interviews conducted in Sesotho. Sexual orientation was not part of the participation criteria, but all men who participated reported that they had been in heterosexual intimate relationships only. Study findings revealed that participants perceived IPV as justifiable under circumstances such as when "bohali" was paid, when women were disrespectful to their partners, and/or because infidelity is men's prerogative. Other factors that were said to simultaneously justify and contribute to IPV included substance abuse, peer influence, and the social construction of IPV tolerance. In line with the constructivist school of thought, an intervention targeting children to change the paradigm of violence is proposed.