Fragments of Identity: Gender in Post-Conflict Spaces of Collective Trauma

(Readings in Collective Trauma and the Perpetuation of Violence Against Women) In the heat of war, guns eventually fall silent, and both sides declare victory or defeat. However, the real battle does not end with the signing of treaties; rather, it silently infiltrates closed rooms. Here, the "home" is transformed from a safe haven into a space where the tremors of history and the fractures of personal and collective identity manifest—a process of mutual influence that flows from the home to society and vice versa. To understand the roots of this transformation, psychoanalyst Vamik Volkan explains that societies that have tasted the bitterness of loss or existential threat do not recover easily. Instead, they cling to what he terms "Chosen Traumas"—those historical wounds that have not healed and are passed down through generations as part of the psychological makeup. In this "Collapsed Time," maintaining a stable identity becomes an existential obsession, and the traumatized individual seeks mechanisms to discharge the charges of helplessness and anxiety resulting from the shattering of their old world. How does the crisis transition from the individual to the generalized role? From a gender perspective, it appears that this psychological burden does not remain suspended in a vacuum; it seeks a path for discharge. Here lies the importance of understanding the "Crisis of Social Roles." According to the perspective of distressed social roles and what is known as "Militarized Masculinity," an individual who grew accustomed to the language of protection or absolute power during conflict suddenly faces a "role vacuum" upon return. He may lose his traditional status or his ability to provide and control. This "Identity Confusion" drives him to attempt to regain a sense of control within the only sphere available to him: the family environment. Thus, impulsive behavior is no longer merely a transient act of aggression; it transforms into a "maladaptive coping mechanism" and a forced restoration of a self-image shattered by the harsh conditions of war. Woman as a Symbol of Identity Representing the woman as a symbol of identity carries a heavy burden, as the pressure shifts from the man’s individual level to collide with the woman—not just as a partner, but as a cultural and social symbol. Studies on identity and cultural boundaries indicate that in distressed societies, women are viewed as "representatives of the gender most affected by transitions," acting as "guardians of values" and the center of family stability. When a group feels its greater identity is threatened, societal pressure increases to impose rigid standards on women's roles to ensure a perceived "social stability." This is interpreted as a collective psychological defense of the last bastions of traditional stability. In conclusion, understanding this intertwined dynamic clarifies that the "family" is the link that bears the psychological consequences of major conflicts. Women find themselves carrying the greatest burden of society's psychological recovery, facing the reflections of wounded identities trying to hold together by exercising compensatory authority within the private sphere. Therefore, a society exposed to collective trauma manifests its symptoms across all its parts, but primarily upon the women of that society. Thus, sustainable peace is not achieved merely by ceasing hostilities. It begins with dismantling these inherited "psychological landmines," addressing the identity crises of individuals, and realizing their impact on women—whether in their domestic roles or other social roles they occupy. Otherwise, there are no guarantees of a safe and stable environment, starting from the family and extending to society as a whole. Writer: Samar Ayoub 🔴 Note: This article was published as part of the "Yahya Shurbaji’s Journey" project, announced by the Sullam page. For information on the terms and conditions and how to participate, please refer to the pinned announcement in the comments.