Understanding a Tragedy: Factors Behind Pistorius's Crime

In January 2024, the world once again turned its eyes to Oscar Pistorius, the South African runner who was released on parole. This event prompted many to reevaluate the social factors that contributed to the tragic murder of Reeva Steenkamp. By applying theories like Connell's gender order theory and Messner's triad of violence, we can better understand Pistorius's behavior. Pistorius, despite his physical disability, embodied the ideal of hegemonic masculinity, which is often celebrated in sports.His rise to fame as a sports star showed how power and influence can be entwined with violent tendencies. The case of Pistorius serves as a stark reminder that professional sports, especially men's sports, can sometimes foster an environment conducive to violent acts. However, it's crucial to remember thatpredicting violence in sports is complex and requires considering multiple contextual factors.