Infliction of Physical Violence Within Marriage by Young Married Men in India: Understanding Its Linkages With Childhood Socialization and Gender Attitude

Atreyee Sinha, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Biswabandita Chowdhury, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Patrick Heuveline , University of California, Los Angeles

This study bridges an important research gap by examining associations and the possible causality between the socialization of young married men, their gender attitude and use of physical violence. Youth in India: Situation and Need Survey (2006-07) data was used. Study sample was 5,573 young married men (15-29 years). Structural equation modelling is used to test the possible causality. Nearly 17% men have beaten their wives in last 12 months. A considerable proportion of young men acknowledged gender discriminatory practices and reported exposure to parental violence during childhood. Structural Equation Modelling indicates that the socialization of young men in a violent environment, gender discrimination and non-egalitarian gender attitudes have significant effects on infliction of physical violence and suggests causality in these associations. The study highlights the urgent need to understand determinants of gender attitudes among young men to reduce violence within marriages, and reduce intergenerational transmission of patriarchal social norms.

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 Presented in Session 4. Marriage, Family, Households, & Unions