Men who hold gender-inequitable beliefs are significantly more likely to commit intimate partner violence, according to a new study analysing data from California. The research, which examined responses from over 3,600 men between 2021 and 2023, found a strong correlation between traditional gender attitudes and self-reported acts of violence against romantic partners. The findings were published in the journal PLOS One.
The study measured gender beliefs using three key statements: whether men make better political leaders than women, whether a university education is more important for boys than for girls, and whether men are better business executives. Participants who agreed with these statements were found to be substantially more likely to have engaged in violent behaviour against their partners. The data revealed that every one-point increase in gender-inequitable beliefs corresponded to more than double the odds of reporting violent acts.
Substance use and mental health conditions also played a significant role. Over a third of men who admitted to intimate partner violence had reported binge drinking or illicit drug use multiple times in the previous month. More than half of those who had engaged in such violence also exhibited moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety. However, even after adjusting for these factors, researchers found that gender attitudes remained a strong predictor of violent behaviour.
The study also examined the impact of gun ownership, which appeared to lessen the strength of the correlation between gender beliefs and violence. Among men who admitted to intimate partner violence, 85% owned a gun, compared to just 28% of those who did not report such acts. The authors of the study highlighted the serious implications of these findings, particularly in light of broader concerns about firearm-related domestic violence. Evidence suggests that men who have access to firearms are far more likely to kill their partners.
While the overall prevalence of intimate partner violence in the study was low, with fewer than two percent of participants admitting to such behaviour, the researchers warned that the true figures may be higher due to underreporting. Social stigma and legal consequences often deter individuals from disclosing violent acts. Additionally, the study focused primarily on physical and sexual violence, leaving out other forms of abuse such as financial control and psychological coercion.
The findings align with previous global research suggesting that societies with entrenched gender inequalities tend to have higher levels of domestic violence. However, the study provides new insights by demonstrating that even attitudes towards women in leadership roles outside the home are linked to partner violence. Researchers argue that this underscores the importance of addressing not only direct risk factors such as substance use and mental health issues but also broader societal attitudes towards gender roles.
Efforts to prevent intimate partner violence have traditionally focused on legal measures, mental health interventions, and addiction treatment. The study suggests that such approaches should also include strategies to promote gender equality and challenge traditional notions of masculinity. The researchers emphasise that tackling intimate partner violence requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, public awareness campaigns, and policy measures aimed at shifting cultural perceptions of gender roles.
