Multigenerational attitudes to gender norms on intimate partner violence and the sexual and reproductive health of young people in Nigeria
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms around intimate partner violence (IPV) appear to be strongly entrenched and transmitted across generations, with little variation in attitudes, suggesting persistent normalization of harmful beliefs. In contrast, norms related to sexuality and reproductive health are more dynamic, with younger generations showing more egalitarian attitudes, likely due to increased access to education, media, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information. These findings highlight that while some norms are resistant to change, others are more responsive to social and informational shifts, underscoring the importance of targeted, generation-sensitive interventions.
Objectives The study aimed to assess and compare multigenerational attitudes toward gender norms related to intimate partner violence, sexuality, and reproductive health behaviors, and to identify demographic predictors influencing these attitudes in Nigeria.
Methods A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 1,630 participants (young people aged 15–24 and adult household heads) across six communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires adapted from validated gender norm scales measured attitudes across three domains: IPV, sexuality, and reproductive health. Responses were scored and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA to compare generational differences, and multiple linear regression to identify predictors such as gender, education, and residence.
Results The study found no statistically significant generational differences in attitudes toward IPV, indicating widespread and consistent acceptance of certain harmful norms across age groups. However, significant differences emerged in attitudes toward sexuality and reproductive health, with younger cohorts generally expressing more progressive views. Male gender and urban residence were associated with more favorable attitudes toward IPV norms, while higher education predicted more equitable attitudes toward sexuality and reproductive health. Despite some disagreement with harmful norms, certain beliefs—such as justifications for violence or male dominance—remained prevalent.
Conclusions The findings demonstrate both persistence and evolution in gender norms across generations. While deeply rooted norms around IPV remain stable and resistant to change, attitudes toward sexuality and reproductive health are shifting, particularly among younger populations. These patterns suggest the need for tailored interventions that address entrenched norms while leveraging generational openness to change, and highlight the importance of education and information access in transforming gender-related attitudes and improving SRH outcomes.
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