Conflict and Gender Norms

Mark Dincecco, James Fenske, Bishnupriya Gupta and Anil Menon

No 18920, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: We study the relationship between exposure to historical conflict involving heavy weaponry and male-favoring gender norms. We argue that the physical nature of such conflict produced cultural norms favoring males and male offspring. We focus on spatial variation in gender norms across India, a dynamic developing economy in which gender inequality persists. We show robust evidence that areas with high exposure to pre-colonial conflict are significantly more likely to exhibit male-favoring gender norms as measured by male-biased sex ratios and crimes against women. We document how conflict-related gender norms have been transmitted over time via male-favoring folkloric traditions, the gender identity of temple gods, and male-biased marriage practices, and have been transmitted across space by migrants originally from areas with high conflict exposure.

Keywords: War; Development; India; History (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J16 N45 O11 P46 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-03
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