Afghanistanâs Bacha Baazi Practice and the Normalization of Sexual Violence against Boys

Athena Elton

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Afghanistanâs Bacha Baazi Practice and the Normalization of Sexual Violence against Boys

In: Violence: Probing the Boundaries around the World

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Athena Elton

Athena Elton
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 146â156

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004429215_010

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Abstract

Sexualized violence is a taboo subject, something to be avoided and ignored in the hope it will disappear. In many countries there are no policies or laws prohibiting something that âdoesnât exist.â This social avoidance or sublimation of the issue provides an ideal environment for the perpetuation and normalization of sexual violence directed towards boys, girls, men and women in many countries and societies. Sexual violence occurs on many levels: first, it affects the psychological and physical health of both perpetrators and victims; second, it detrimentally impacts groups of people as it becomes normalized and finally, it can be the consequence of political maneuvering on the part of warring combatants, as is the case in Afghanistan. This chapter will begin with a brief overview of the history of bacha baazi dancing boys in Afghanistan and their victimization. After, the author will argue that sexual violence against these boys has been further normalized due to social avoidance of the issue of sexuality, the separation of women from the public sphere and positions of influence, and the absence of political support and lack of law enforcement to combat sexual violence. The chapter concludes that the practice of owning bacha baazi boys creates a cycle of on-going sexual violence that has been exacerbated by the continuing conflict, benevolent sexism and social instability in Afghanistan.

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Violence: Probing the Boundaries around the World

Series:Â At the Interface / Probing the Boundaries, Volume: 130

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004429215

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Aug 2020

Subjects
- Philosophy
  - Ethics & Moral Philosophy
- Social Sciences
  - Sociology & Anthropology

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Afghanistanâs Bacha Baazi Practice and the Normalization of Sexual Violence against Boys

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Violence: Probing the Boundaries around the World

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Afghanistanâs Bacha Baazi Practice and the Normalization of Sexual Violence against Boys