Risk and Refuge: Adolescent Boys' Experiences of Violence in Post-Conflict Colombia

Increasingly, researchers and practitioners are examining connections between public and private cycles of violence. In complex emergency settings, these cycles of violence often intersect with conflicting norms and values as societies work toward sustainable peace. Gender norms, particularly norms of masculinity, are not often highlighted in transdisciplinary violence studies. Furthermore, few studies on either subject capture the perspectives and experiences of adolescent boys. This study seeks to explore adolescent boys' (13-17 years) experiences with violence at home and in the community in post-conflict Colombia. Thematic qualitative analysis of 20 interview transcripts from 14 Colombian boys in Cundinamarca (n = 5) and Cordoba (n = 9) revealed themes of conflict avoidance, hegemonic masculinity, and opportunities for change in the form of positive coping habits. Further research into social and emotional coping behaviors and linkages to perpetuating violence between adolescence and adulthood is needed.

Automated summary

This study explores the experiences of violence among adolescent boys in post-conflict Colombia, highlighting themes of conflict avoidance, hegemonic masculinity, and positive coping habits. Further research is needed on social and emotional coping behaviors, as well as the linkages between violence perpetuation in adolescence and adulthood.