Working Paper: NBER ID: w21901
Authors: Alberto Alesina; Benedetta Brioschi; Eliana La Ferrara
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.
Keywords: violence against women; cultural factors; economic role of women; Africa
JEL Codes: E62
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| ancient socioeconomic conditions (B11) | social norms about gender roles (J16) |
| social norms about gender roles (J16) | intrafamily violence (J12) |
| ancient socioeconomic conditions (B11) | family structures (J12) |
| family structures (J12) | intrafamily violence (J12) |
| women's economic independence (J16) | risk of violence (D74) |
| historical norms (N30) | women's contemporary economic roles (D13) |
| bride price (J12) | rates of violence (J12) |
| endogamous marriage practices (J12) | violence (D74) |
| settlement types (R23) | violence rates (J12) |
| compact settlements (R23) | acceptance of violence (D74) |