From the Norm to the Form. An Integrative Ecological Approach for Analyzing Ni Una Menos activists’ Gender-based Violence Perceptions in Argentina

Sammanfattning: The phenomenon of gender-based violence (GBV) and the magnitude it takes in Argentina is raising great concerns within the country, intergovernmental organisations and women’s movements. Since 2015 a women’s movement named Ni Una Menos was established to create visibility and fight for the eradication of gender-based violence in the country. Building upon the Integrative Ecological Framework, using Feminist and Cultural Approaches this paper seeks to analyse activists’ perceptions of GBV phenomenon and the associated factors reproducing GBV in the Argentinian context. Supported by a literature review and theoretical framework, field research was conducted in Argentina. Field data was collected by carrying out eight semi-structured interviews with Ni Una Menos activists, followed by a presentation of the findings and analysis through an adopted analytical model. The main findings of this study demonstrate a complex and multidimensional disposition of gender-based violence understood by the activists. Activists hold a contemporary view of the phenomenon by placing emphasis on the culturally accepted social and gender norms and persevering daily behaviours, which are claimed to be a form of violence in itself. Additionally, an ongoing legitimisation of GBV by public structures, activists situate as a foundation and an equal participant of GBV and its reproduction.