There is a notable lack of research examining the relationship between exposure to violent conflict and attitudes toward wife beating in Africa. This study addresses that gap by analysing data from rounds 7 and 9 of the Afrobarometer surveys, covering 39 African countries (N=99,267).
Exposure to violent conflict is measured by computing the number of conflict incidents within a 30 km radius of respondents’ dwellings. Attitudes toward wife beating are assessed based on survey responses to a question on whether it is ever justifiable for a man to beat his wife.
Regression analysis reveals that higher exposure to violent conflict reduces the likelihood of supporting wife beating. This negative correlation persists when the data are disaggregated based on gender and models are estimated using the male and female subsamples.
A possible explanation for this finding is that individuals who are exposed to violence are well aware of its devastating effects and hence are more likely to oppose wife beating.
Furthermore, areas with high incidences of conflict may have ongoing community programmes focused on reducing violence, promoting peace, and encouraging reconciliation.
In such regions, individuals may be more exposed to these initiatives, which could lead to stronger opposition to violent behaviour.
