Researching the gendered silences of violence in El Salvador

Hume, M. (2009) Researching the gendered silences of violence in El Salvador. IDS Bulletin, 40(3), pp. 78-85. (doi: 10.1111/j.1759-5436.2009.00042.x)

Abstract

All research on violence is informed by silences. In practical terms, an immediate reading of silence may be that it presents an obstacle for the researcher who is dependent on people who are willing to speak out. Another interpretation of silence is that its presence is central to what we know about violence. Silence and the invisibility of gender in mainstream analyses of violence are closely connected. This article reflects on research in El Salvador, arguing that a critical analysis of violence should directly confront the effects of silence and silencing, particularly as they concern violence against women, which is often separated from ‘real’ violence. It discusses the excuses and localised rationales that work to silence women's experiences of abuse.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Republished in special IDS Bulletin Archive Collection 2018 volume 49(1A) at https://bulletin.ids.ac.uk/idsbo/article/view/2954.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hume, Professor Mo
• Authors: Hume, M.
• Subjects: F History United States, Canada, Latin America > F1201 Latin America (General); H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: IDS Bulletin
• ISSN: 0265-5012
• ISSN (Online): 1759-5436
• Published Online: 12 May 2009

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