Relações de género e violência doméstica: um estudo do caso sobre a violência doméstica contra mulheres financeiramente independentes

Abstract

This study analyzes the persistence of domestic violence against financially independent women, questioning the idea that economic autonomy is sufficient to break free from abusive relationships. The research is based on Berger and Luckmann's (1978) social construction of reality theory and Judith Butler's (2018) gender roles theory, seeking to understand how the patriarchal system shapes women’s perception and response to violence. Qualitative methods were used, including interviews with women who have experienced domestic violence. The sample consists of 11 financially independent women over 30 years old who have suffered violence from their partners. The results reveal that despite financial independence, factors such as social norms, family pressure, stigma, fear, and emotional ties still influence these women’s persistence in abusive relationships. It was found that even with financial autonomy, women remain in abusive marital relationships, maintaining the status of "married woman" due to social pressure exerted by cultural, religious, and family norms that value the maintenance of the marital union and devalue divorce or separation. Thus, financial independence, although important, is not sufficient to break the cycle of domestic violence. Social norms, ingrained gender roles, and the patriarchal structure continue to place women in a vulnerable position. It is concluded that promoting cultural change, strengthening protection mechanisms, and encouraging reporting as a form of empowerment are fundamental. Combating violence therefore requires more than economic autonomy, it requires social transformation.