IP0603 Patriarchy, Gender-Based Violence, and the Architecture of Fear in South Africa episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 2, 2026 · 45 MIN

IP0603 Patriarchy, Gender-Based Violence, and the Architecture of Fear in South Africa

from Intersectional Psychology · host Aurora Brown, Registered Counsellor

Content Note: This episode discusses gender-based violence, rape culture, and femicide. Please take care of yourself while listening. South Africa doesn’t just have a “violence problem.” It has a patriarchy problem. In this episode, Aurora unpacks how gender-based violence is sustained — not only through individual perpetrators, but through systems: colonial legacies, racial capitalism, religious discourse, media narratives, workplace hierarchies, and everyday gender socialisation. 🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts.  📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps | 00:00:00 Content note  | 00:00:24 Pre-credit teaser  | 00:02:08 Land acknowledgement | 00:02:36 Title credits: Patriarchy, gender-based violence, and the architecture of fear in South Africa  | 00:03:00 Welcome and introduction | 00:04:53 Patriarchy as a system, not a personality flaw | 00:06:14 “#MenAreTrash” and why “#NotAllMen” misses the point | 00:08:58 Toxic gendering starts early — and it stays loyal  | 00:11:05 Colonial patriarchy vs African patriarchy: a false binary | 00:14:28 Calling out offenders: Justice, risk, and survival | 00:17:37 Religion: Tool of control or site of resistance?  | 00:24:16 Patriarchal institutions and structures | 00:31:34 Media, fear, and the psychology of spectacle  | 00:35:11 GBV as a racial and class phenomenon  | 00:39:08 What do we do with all this? | 00:43:00 End credits Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? 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South Africa doesn’t just have a “violence problem.” It has a patriarchy problem. In this episode, Aurora unpacks how gender-based violence is sustained — not only through individual perpetrators, but through systems: colonial legacies, racial capitalism, religious discourse, media narratives, workplace hierarchies, and everyday gender socialisation.

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