Gender, power, and violence: A systematic review of measures and their association with male perpetration of IPV

The review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathways between gender inequitable norms, views, practices, relations, and IPV. The review identified 23 studies that employed 64 measures, which were categorized into three main thematic areas: views on gender roles/norms, acceptance of violence against women, and gender-related inequities in relationship power and control. The measures were also classified as either inclusive of respondents' own views or what they believed others do or think. The results of the review showed that measures inclusive of acceptance of violence against women or beliefs about men's sexual entitlement were most consistently associated with IPV perpetration. Measures of relationship power showed less consistent associations. The review also found few scales that measured peer or community norms. The review highlighted the importance of understanding the pathways between gender inequitable norms, views, practices, relations, and IPV. It emphasized that addressing these components of the gender system has emerged as a central component of IPV prevention efforts. The review also noted that the definition and measurement of gender inequity have varied, reflecting the large number of hypothesized pathways, but leading to an incomplete understanding of which variables and scales have the most explanatory power in predicting violence perpetration. The findings of the review have implications for the design of interventions aimed at preventing IPV. They suggest that validated scales that encompass views on the acceptance of violence against women, and scales inclusive of beliefs about men's sexual entitlement, may be particularly promising for unpacking pathways to IPV perpetration, targeting interventions, and monitoring progress in IPV prevention efforts. The review also identified gaps in the literature, including the need for more research on the measurement of peer and community norms. It emphasized the importance of developing a more comprehensive understanding of the pathways between gender inequitable norms, views, practices, relations, and IPV, and the need for more research on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at addressing these components of the gender system. The review's findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working to prevent IPV. They highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between gender inequitable norms, views, practices, relations, and IPV, and the importance of addressing these components of the gender system in order to prevent IPV. The review's findings also have implications for the development of policies and programs aimed at preventing IPV. They suggest that policies and programs should focus on addressing the root causes of IPV, including gender inequitable norms, views, practices, and relations. They also emphasize the need for more research on the effectiveness of policies and programs aimed at preventing IPV, and the need for more evaluation and monitoring of these efforts. The review's findings have implications for the development of interventions aimed at preventing IPV. They suggest that interventions should focus on addressing the root causes of IPV, including gender inequitable norms, views, practices, and relations. They also emphasize the need for more research on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing IPV, and the need for more evaluation and monitoring of these efforts.