Battery and Development

Abstract

This article focuses on the changes in attitudes about sexuality, gender equality, and intimate partner violence within the context of modernization. Revised modernization theory predicts that increasing development leads to greater levels of egalitarian gender values and liberal sexual mores as part of a larger change in society. Our analysis leads to the conclusion that although both these sets of attitudes are a part of the movement towards postmaterialist values, in the context of intimate partner violence, different dynamics prevail at different levels of development. Using regression analysis and data from the fifth wave of the World Values Survey, we find a significant relationship between attitudes towards intimate partner violence, egalitarian gender values and liberal sexual mores. In general, liberal attitudes towards sexuality do not necessarily mean a lower tolerance for intimate partner violence. Crucially, the relationship between these three sets of values depends on the level of development. We find that in agrarian and industrial societies, higher levels of liberal sexual mores with lower levels of egalitarian gender values lead to a higher level of support for intimate partner violence against women.

An international examination of the role of normative and cultural contexts on attitudinal support for intimate partner violence against wives

“…Greater acceptance of traditional gender norms that perpetuate gender inequality between men and women can justify the use of violence in these scenarios, especially when behaviors depart from what are considered appropriate gender roles (Heise, 1998). The process of industrialization has the potential to transform family and gender roles (Rodríguez Martínez and Khalil, 2013). Collectively, attitudes about gender may shape attitudinal support toward IPV.…”

“…In more agrarian societies, which likely will have a more survival orientation, day-to-day life is often dependent on the family unit where traditional gender roles likely dominate (Inglehart and Norris, 2003; Rodríguez Martínez and Khalil, 2013). In this instance, individuals with a stronger survival orientation and who reside in a nation with a stronger survival orientation may be more likely to personally support IPV, as traditional gender roles intersect with patriarchal attitudes that justify the use of IPV.…”