Colombian study on militarized masculinity

Colombia is a country that has been marked by armed conflict for over 50 years, which has led to a deeply rooted culture of violence in Colombian society. At the same time, there is a strong desire for a peaceful society. Activists are organizing and fighting for peace, women’s rights, and the environment.

MÄN’s partner in Colombia, Acooc, is a peace organization that has primarily worked on issues related to conscientious objection to military service. They see clear links between a heavily militarized society, the glorification of violence as a form of power, and societal ideas about masculinity—as well as how this culture of violence tends to seep into homes, negatively affecting women and children. Acooc has created short films, developed games, organized film festivals, and produced podcasts to encourage discussions about non-violent forms of masculinity. Now, they have also launched a study, Violencias Invisibles II (Invisible Violence II), in collaboration with the feminist peace organization Limpal Colombia. The study is published in Spanish.

The study examines, among other things, the military doctrine that permeates the armed forces and police, the values it promotes, the identity it constructs, and the type of masculinity it normalizes. The male identity that is reinforced is one of a heterosexual, warlike, dominant, and heroic masculinity.

The authors of the study also highlight the relationship between gender-based violence in Colombia and the militaristic traditions and behaviors embedded in society. The research concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at making gender-based violence within the police and military more visible and combating it. These recommendations include initiatives focused on gender issues and psychosocial well-being. For example, the authors emphasize the importance of challenging stereotypes related to gender, ethnicity, and class, as well as strengthening the capacity for psychological support.