We Are where We Are: How rigid gender norms in Bosnia and Herzegovina affect the mental health of individuals

Abstract

This research explores the correlation between mental health and rigid gender norms and is placed in a patriarchal society in Bosnia and Hercegovina. The first chapter will bring out the importance of the study, and define key terms, such as human rights and gender norms, and placing them in the context of a patriarchal post-war country. The second chapter brings out the effects of the war had on the position of women, the patriarchal backlash and prevalence of gender-based violence after the war in the country. The next chapter introduces methods and sample used for the research. The final chapter presents research findings, bringing out discussion on three major reoccurring themes in the research – identity of women, identity of men, and private and public identity of individuals in the country.