The complex realm of intimate partner violence (IPV) against men by female partners continues to be under-researched in Sweden. The lack of knowledge and recognition regarding the impacts and dimensions of violence that men face can severely affect their self-perception and masculinity. The thesis is anchored in the objective to describe and analyse men’s lived experiences of (diverse dimensions of) violence perpetrated by a female partner, the men’s reactions to their experiences, and what subsequent effects these experiences have on their sense of self and masculinity. Employing a narrative methodology, the study captures the experiences of 21 men to illuminate the complexities of male vulnerability and victimhood. Although no man explicitly voiced being a victim of IPV, the men’s narratives implicitly convey the essence of being subjected to something and indicate that the men’s experiences do not fit with the public and prevailing narratives of gender and IPV.

The thesis employs a hermeneutical approach to delve into the men’s narratives, integrating theoretical frameworks on masculinity, liminality, possible self, and the concepts of epistemic injustice, definitional hegemony, and definitional dialogue. These concepts frame the men’s struggle for recognition and understanding within societal and authoritative contexts, where their experiences often clash with prevailing narratives of gender, IPV, and institutional biases. The findings portray the men’s efforts to reconcile traditional masculinity while they are in limbo and trying to (re)construct their sense of self. The intricate dance between outward perception and inner turmoil invites a critical re-evaluation of complicit masculinity within the realm of IPV, urging a departure from rigid masculine archetypes towards a more inclusive, empathetic understanding of masculinity that embraces the multifaceted realities of these men’s lives. Such findings have led to the development of the concept of piloting masculinity, which illustrates the men’s trajectory of entering and leaving liminality, while reconstructing their identities into a new possible self and embracing vulnerability. 

This thesis provides a comprehensive understanding of the men’s lived experiences, challenging conventional gender narratives and highlighting the need for a more inclusive discourse on IPV that acknowledges male victims. It emphasises the necessity for systemic changes in order to recognise and support men better through IPV and its aftermath.