Manifestations of hegemonic masculinity: the impact of a patriarchal state on physical and structural violence against women**

Through an analysis of the masculine nature of the state, this case-study explores the patriarchal forces that pervade society and shape naturalised attitudes toward violence against women. Working through conceptualisations of both liberal and post-structural feminism, this paper criticises the hegemonic masculinity that contributes to perpetuating notions of male dominance and ownership, thus reinforcing the destructive nature of a patriarchal state. Through a thorough analysis of the political climate for women and women’s issues, this paper will evaluate political responses to violence against women in an attempt to illuminate a society that is plagued by gender inequalities and reinforced by the institutions that benefit from the hegemony.