| Attitudes Toward Wife Beating: A Cross-Country Study in Asia |
| Authors: |
Manju Rani and Sekhar Bonu |
| Source: |
Journal of Interpersonal Violence , 2008 Aug 15. |
| Topic(s): |
Domestic violence
Women's status
Women’s empowerment
|
| Country: |
Asia
Bangladesh
India
Turkey
Kazakhstan
Cambodia
Nepal
Armenia
|
| Published: |
AUG 2008 |
| Abstract: |
Using demographic and health surveys conducted between 1998 and 2001 from seven countries (Armenia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Turkey), the study found that acceptance of wife beating ranged from 29% in Nepal, to 57% in India (women only), and from 26% in Kazakhstan, to 56% in Turkey (men only). Increasing wealth predicted less acceptance of wife beating, except in Cambodia and Nepal. Higher education level was negatively associated with acceptance in Turkey and Bangladesh. Younger respondents justified wife beating more often, with some exceptions, showing persistent intergenerational transmission of gender norms. Working women were equally or more likely to justify wife beating compared to nonworking women. Men were significantly more likely to justify wife beating in Armenia, Nepal, and Turkey. Targeted proactive efforts are needed to change these norms, such as improving female literacy rates and other enabling factors. |
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