Violence Against Women: A Cross-cultural Analysis for Africa

Alberto Alesina, Benedetta Brioschi and Eliana La Ferrara

No 21901, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Using a new dataset, we investigate the determinants of violence against women in Africa. We focus on cultural factors arising from pre-colonial customs and find evidence consistent with two hypotheses. First, ancient socioeconomic conditions determine social norms about gender roles, family structures and intrafamily violence which persist even when the initial conditions change. Norms about marriage patterns, living arrangements and the productive role of women are associated with contemporary violence. Second, women’s contemporary economic role affects violence in a complex way which is itself related to traditional norms in ancient times and current bargaining power within the marriage.

JEL-codes: E62 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dem, nep-dev, nep-gro and nep-soc
Note: POL
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (38)

Published as Alberto Alesina & Benedetta Brioschi & Eliana La Ferrara, 2021. "Violence Against Women: A Cross‐cultural Analysis for Africa," Economica, vol 88(349), pages 70-104.

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Journal Article: Violence Against Women: A Cross‐cultural Analysis for Africa (2021)
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