The Political Economy of Domestic Violence in a Mumbai Slum: An Ethnographic Analysis

Abstract

Nationally, more than a third of women report some form of domestic violence in India. This study set in a Mumbai slum shows that structural violence contributes to domestic violence and also systematically disadvantages women by forcing them to drop out of school, reduces labour force participation and prevents women from leaving abusive marriages. We find that birth order, age at marriage and the support of the natal family, all play a critical role in shaping women's life trajectories. Although natal families and women's social networks under certain conditions can help mitigate violence, these are limited. Using six case studies, this study proposes a framework that encompasses multiple dimensions and forms of insecurity, categorised into material, physical, sociocultural or sexual constraints. By doing so, it delineates mechanisms by which institutional and normative contexts gender vulnerabilities. Methodologically, this article uses an ethnographic approach and, including two pairs of mothers and daughters as case studies, offers an intergenerational perspective that underscores the transmission of violent life trajectories, highlighting the limited possibilities for mitigation. Thus, programmes that aim to reduce domestic violence need Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics 27(2)

Widening cracks in patriarchy: mothers and daughters navigating gender norms in a Mumbai slum

“…This suggests that dynamics of gender norms transformation can begin in the cracks in the patriarchal gender order and that practitioners should identify similar opportunities, helping those who are capable and willing to act within those cracks. Other studies from the same context provided evidence of the nuanced roles that mothers can play in child-related decision-making and protection as, for instance, in Ghosh's ethnography of mothers' roles in protecting their daughters from domestic violence (Ghosh 2015). Importantly, these supportive mothers should not be left unsupported.…”

Abusive behaviors: long-term forced quarantine and intimate partner violence during Covid-19 outbreak

“…Violence against women and children during Covid-19 pandemic associated with forced lockdown, and quarantine has been a social and psychological concern in all types of countries, least developed, developing and developed (Alkhattabi et al , 2023; Faizah and Susanti, 2022; Elsaid et al , 2022; Faisal et al , 2022; Ghosh and Ghosh, 2022; Goodman and Epstein, 2022; Gottlieb and Schmitt, 2022; Letourneau et al , 2022; Mahtab and Fariha, 2022; Morgan and Boxall, 2022; Sharma and Borah, 2022; Ravi et al , 2022; Spencer et al , 2022; Tripathi et al , 2022; Yusof et al , 2022; Zabma et al , 2022; Zhang, 2022; Ali, 2020; Bucerius et al , 2021; Nabukeera, 2021; Usta et al , 2021; Ertan et al , 2020; ESCAP, 2020; Kaukinen, 2020; Pereda and Diaz-Faes, 2020). Although women, children and men all are equally becoming victims of such violence nowadays in many countries, women mainly form the most significant portion in this case (Alkhattabi et al , 2023; Elsaid et al , 2022; Mahtab and Fariha, 2022; Ravi et al , 2022; Spencer et al , 2022; Tripathi et al , 2022; Yusof et al , 2022; Zabma et al , 2022; Zhang, 2022; Ali et al , 2021; Bucerius et al , 2021; Nabukeera, 2021; Usta et al , 2021; Ertan et al , 2020; Kaukinen, 2020; Pereda and Diaz-Faes, 2020; Miller et al , 2021).…”

“…However, the percentage is feared to be much higher in the least developed countries and developing ones where poverty is common (Fraser, 2020; World Health Organization, 2020). Although such abuse is primarily widespread, it is the least reported human rights abuse, particularly in developing and least-developed countries (Ghosh and Ghosh, 2022; Tripathi et al , 2022; Jakia et al , 2020). While men also experience domestic violence from their counterparts, women make up the majority of victims in an accelerated ratio (Jakia et al , 2020).…”

Partner Killing

“…In Nigeria, beating wives and children is Australia, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England and Wales, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA considered a socially acceptable form of discipline (Aihie 2016). "Traumatic bond theory offers explanation on factors that can make women remain in abusive relationship while victim precipitation theory account for the role that victims plays in falling prey to spousal homicide especially men that are killed by their wives" (Ghosh 2015;Olowu et al 2011). Olowu et al (2011) found most events leading to the death of a spouse were accidental, rather than premeditated.…”