First Name:
Kelsey
Last Name:
Wayne
Major Department:
Spanish and Global Studies
Thesis Director:
Edward Behrend-Martinez
Date of Thesis:
May 2014
Domestic violence in Nicaragua may be explained by various sociocultural factors. Socially ingrained traits of human behavior are very telling of how domestic violence against women is manifested, and therefore highlighting how this modern-day and truly global issue is gaining more recognition. This thesis seeks to observe such traits potentially related to domestic violence, particularly patriarchy and tradition, the resulting manifestation of machismo, and ingrained gender roles that have come to define domestic violence in Nicaragua today. By examining historical patterns of Nicaraguan society to the current situation today, this research will help to make sense of the interplay of these sociocultural phenomena in relation to the combined perpetuation and normalization of domestic violence. The conclusion will look into the effectiveness of recent legislative action that attempts to address perpetrators, and what these measures could mean for the future mental, social, and physical health of Nicaraguan women.