"Male Privilege"

Norbert Holz · Jun 20, 2001

I am mandated by the state of florida to attend domenstic violence "education" for every license period. In most every presentation I am subject; the signs of abuse state "Male Privilege."

The community service programming on domestic violence also proclaims there is such a privliege.

I'd really like to know just what this means. Being a male and an RN I never quite seem to understand to what this statememt is referring.

I'd also like to know and if I am elligible to recieve this privilege. So far, in my entire life I've never felt it, experienced it, seen it, or ever witnessed it's elusive presence.

Please, someone enlighten me!

JennieBSN · Jun 20, 2001

Hey Norbert...I was curious just as to what this 'privelege' is also...here's what I found on a domestic violenc info page:

"The abuser uses "male privelege":

The abuser treats the victim like a servant

The abuser makes all the big decisions

The abuser defines the role of the wife and husband

The abuser acts like the "master" of the castle

Interesting...

JennieBSN · Jun 20, 2001

Hey Norbert...I was curious just as to what this 'privelege' is also...here's what I found on a domestic violenc info page:

"The abuser uses "male privelege":

The abuser treats the victim like a servant

The abuser makes all the big decisions

The abuser defines the role of the wife and husband

The abuser acts like the "master" of the castle

Interesting...

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2001

Just guessing here but I'm thinking "male privilege" is the term used to express the archaic thought that the male in a relationship is the primary decision-maker, the holder of the purse-strings, the owner of the female. It really has only been in recent history that women have had any choices of their own--owning land, voting, not being "owned" by their husbands or fathers. Men could freely beat their wives or daughters (or sons for that matter); it was assumed to be their right as the woman was their property--it was not illegal. I think this is what they mean by "male privilege"--there are neanderthals out there that still believe it.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2001

Just guessing here but I'm thinking "male privilege" is the term used to express the archaic thought that the male in a relationship is the primary decision-maker, the holder of the purse-strings, the owner of the female. It really has only been in recent history that women have had any choices of their own--owning land, voting, not being "owned" by their husbands or fathers. Men could freely beat their wives or daughters (or sons for that matter); it was assumed to be their right as the woman was their property--it was not illegal. I think this is what they mean by "male privilege"--there are neanderthals out there that still believe it.

st4304 · Jun 20, 2001

My sister is now divorcing one of these "neanderthals". He'll be available July 10th for anyone who's into verbal abuse, low self-esteem, not being allowed to have your own money, etc.

st4304 · Jun 20, 2001

My sister is now divorcing one of these "neanderthals". He'll be available July 10th for anyone who's into verbal abuse, low self-esteem, not being allowed to have your own money, etc.

Q. · Jun 21, 2001

Ok I realize that in probably the majority of abusive relationships, it is the male that is the abuser - however that does not mean that there aren't situations where women are just as abusive - if not physically then also mentally. I hate stereotypes. That term "male priviledge" is archaic to say the least.

Q. · Jun 21, 2001

Ok I realize that in probably the majority of abusive relationships, it is the male that is the abuser - however that does not mean that there aren't situations where women are just as abusive - if not physically then also mentally. I hate stereotypes. That term "male priviledge" is archaic to say the least.

fergus51 · Jun 21, 2001

In actuality, the numbers for abuse are the same. Women hit men as often as men hit women, and the rate of abuse is the same in gay relationships as in straight. Men just get more PR.

lpnandloveit1 · Jun 21, 2001

to fergus. men get more pr................and hit harder."Male privilege refers to thought process."I can do this because I am the man" "you have to do that because I am the man" etc.