Analysis: The Socio-Cultural Drivers of Male Aggression in Response to Female Rejection in India

Intelligence Report: This analysis examines the troubling pattern of male violence following romantic or social rejection by women in India, a phenomenon rooted in deep-seated socio-cultural constructs. Expert insights from Prasanna Gettu highlight how patriarchal norms, rigid gender expectations, and a cultural emphasis on male honor and entitlement often translate rejection into perceived humiliation, triggering aggressive retaliation. The report identifies key factors, including the socialization of masculinity as dominant and the stigmatization of emotional vulnerability in men, which collectively suppress healthy coping mechanisms. Furthermore, systemic issues within educational and community institutions fail to adequately address gender sensitivity and conflict resolution. To mitigate this crisis, a multi-faceted intervention is imperative. Recommendations include comprehensive gender education curricula from early schooling, community-led awareness campaigns to dismantle toxic masculinity, and stronger legal frameworks with consistent enforcement to deter such violence. Transforming this behavioral paradigm requires sustained societal effort to redefine masculinity and promote mutual respect.