The article under consideration reflects on a variety of problems of Brazilian families, and one of the most significant obstacles to their well-being is domestic violence. It presents the struggles of legislators in this regard explained by gender bias distorting the attitudes of citizens towards such events (Adelman & De Azevedo, 2012). The authors highlight the need for action as the situation is unlikely to change without interference (Adelman & De Azevedo, 2012). Therefore, a thorough examination of the specified issue should be performed with the use of feminism and functionalism as main theories alongside survey and content analysis as the principal methods to develop appropriate solutions.
Two Major Theories Applicable to the Case
The first theory applicable to the problem of domestic violence in Brazil as per the article is feminism, and its importance is defined by the controversy regarding the evolving roles of men and women. In the present-day families, they become equal in their incomes and other conditions, whereas the historic suppression remains in the form of a habit (Adelman & De Azevedo, 2012). Therefore, the suitability of this approach is conditional upon the fact that gender is the main factor in the matter. It affects interactions of people within families as social structures under consideration, and inequality in this respect should be viewed through the lens of feminist thought.
In turn, the second theory which can facilitate the examination of domestic violence in Brazilian families is functionalism because it can be applied to the need to explain the interdependence of people. This condition is supposed to lead to stability and harmony, whereas, in reality, this provision is not met. According to the scholars, the current state of the problem is determined by inaccurate judgment and the sex perspective of people working in the legal system (Adelman & De Azevedo, 2012). Therefore, the elimination of the threat to healthy relationships greatly depends on their understanding of families’ functioning without bias. From this perspective, the solution lies in the global shift in perceptions with the focus on the underlying mechanism of regulating interactions.
Optimal Methods to Study the Problem
The use of feminism and functionalism as the main approaches allowing to find a solution to the identified problem should be complemented by methods to study it, and one of them is surveys. This technique seems beneficial for the issue under consideration because it will help reflect on the perspectives of both men and women in order to see a clear, unbiased picture regarding domestic violence. As per the article, the challenge in this regard is explained by the neglect of causes and culprits by prosecutors subject to stereotypical thinking (Adelman & De Azevedo, 2012). It is expressed in the tendency to view failure as a reason for a woman’s actions and the refusal to shift away from traditional values, which are not applicable anymore.
Nevertheless, one method is insufficient for making a change in this area, and surveys should be complemented by the subsequent content analysis. This instrument is advantageous for initiating the proposed alterations of the ways to resolve issues of this nature. For instance, in the case of domestic violence, it will allow analyzing the themes and concepts with corresponding meanings derived from the surveys. As a result, it will be possible to conclude on the prevalent ideas preventing legislators from correctly approaching the problem for its successful resolution.
Solutions to the Problem and Theoretical Approaches
The optimal solution to the issue of domestic violence is handling such cases through legislation. It seems beneficial from the perspective of fair treatment of people regardless of their personal characteristics. This decision will also help protect the basic rights of citizens and, more specifically, promote their safety. In turn, the awareness of families regarding the punishment for violating the corresponding regulations will serve as a reason to think twice before committing inappropriate acts towards their spouses or offspring. Since the previous attempts to address this challenge failed, creating laws prohibiting domestic violence and providing a penalty for such occasions is the most efficient way to combat it.
In addition, the described feminism and functionalism can contribute to the resolution of the issue by presenting their mechanisms of coping with obstacles to people’s well-being. The former will positively affect the underlying reasons for these acts since the change in perceptions inevitably modifies one’s conduct. In this case, the elimination of bias regarding women’s role in triggering conflicts will help consider the situations in an objective manner. In turn, the latter will contribute to the awareness of families concerning the importance of all affected persons in establishing prosperity and stability. This outcome will be achieved through the explanation of people’s functions and the consequences of their exercise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, feminism and functionalism are the theories, which can help adequately address the problem of domestic violence in Brazilian families. They will be beneficial for examining the evolving roles of men and women and their interdependence, respectively. The methods applicable to the case are surveys and content analysis, and they can reflect on people’s perceptions which should be changed. In the end, the solution would be legislation complemented by the shift in opinions regarding gender and the equality of all family members in achieving stability.
Reference
Adelman, M., & De Azevedo, M. C. (2012). Families, gender relations and social change in Brazil: Practices, discourse, policy. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21(1), 65-74. Web.