Gender and Security

A few weeks ago we explored the theme of security. As I talked about in my last blog, definitions are always a central part of analysis, so we started by talking about possible definitions of security. While the articles focused more on the military, in class we talked about security in the domestic sphere. For me, it is much easier to comprehend examples in the domestic sphere because I can relate to them. I've never been a witness to war. We talked about security as a perception rather than a measurable fact. This applies well to the idea of domestic violence and relationship dynamics. Women often stay with abusive husbands or boyfriends because they feel greater security if they stay in the relationship; even though statistics say that they are not really safer. What really is at the basis of determining security? Do different things make each person feel secure? Or is there some basic need that drives the perception of security that is common throughout all humans?