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CHILDHOOD EXPOSURE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS WIFE BEATING IN ADULT LIFE: A STUDY OF MEN IN INDIA
Authors: YING ZHU, KOUSTUV DALAL
Source: Journal of Biosocial Science, (2010) 42, 255–269
Topic(s): Domestic violence
Country: Asia
  India
Published: NOV 2010
Abstract: Summary. This study examined men’s justification of wife beating in relation to their perceived rights and autonomy using a nationally representative sample of 18,047 men in India with childhood exposure to parental violence. Five reasons for wife beating justification, four items of men’s perceived rights, and five items of household autonomy were analysed using 2 test and logistic regression. Among 18,047 participants, 67% justified wife beating. Low education, economic stress and being unmarried were generally more associated with justifying wife beating for all five reasons. Wife’s refusal of sex and husband’s final say on household autonomy are risk factors. Joint autonomy on household decision making and wife’s autonomy on managing her own earnings are protective factors. Perceived relationship rights and autonomy are highly predictive of wife-beating justification for the men who have been exposed to parental violence during childhood. The study has significant implications for public health planners and education strategies.