Studying partner violence to understand gender motivations - or vice-versa?

•It is falsely assumed that through intimate violence one can learn about gender•Social expectations and motives are grounded in gender•Status enhancement motives are characteristic of men more than of women•Risk reduction motives are characteristic of women more than of men•Men who act violently towards their female partners deviate from the essence of men

This article critically reviews the literature on gender differences in intimate partner violence. The review reveals that many researchers view partner violence as an opportunity to learn about gender. This approach is examined and its limitations are pointed out. A reverse approach is proposed which views the study of gender as an opportunity to learn about partner violence. This alternative approach identifies gender motives in general and moves on to explore the expressions of these motives in violent and non-violent intimate relationships. Theoretical and practical implications for this alternative approach are suggested. An important implication is the moderating effect of the proposed approach on the ongoing controversy over the role of gender in partner violence.