Prevention and Detection of Gender-Based Violence in University Settings: A Research Proposal Based on the Analysis of Students’ Personal Social Networks

Abstract

The article is proposed as a pilot project that advocates for the application of social network analysis methodology to ascertain whether gender differences exist in the personal network size of 63 students, with the aim that identifying small personal social networks, particularly among female students, could serve as an indicator of relational vulnerability, linked to experiences of gender-based violence. Additionally, it seeks to understand the subjective perception students have regarding the role of the University in promoting their well-being in the classroom. A multi-strategic methodology is suggested, integrating qualitative methods with social network analysis and quantitative methodology. This involves conducting group interviews to comprehend the subjective significance students attribute to the University's role; individual surveys identifying the students' personal social networks, and bivariate statistical analysis to verify the existence of differences in the sizes of their networks. The findings indicate that students believe the University should proactively engage in enhancing well-being in the classroom. Moreover, statistically significant differences in the size of the networks between female and male students were observed, with female students having larger personal social networks. However, there does not appear to be significant evidence of differences between the sizes of personal social networks of female students who report believing they have experienced gender-based violence in their partnership and those who do not.