Key Social Norms Take-aways This study shows that patriarchal gender attitudes among Pakistani adolescents are shaped by social norms within peer groups, families, and schools. Peer violence, corporal punishment, child marriage expectations, and exposure to violence at home serve as indicators of gender norms that reinforce inequality. The authors argue that because peer norms are highly influential during adolescence, school-based interventions that engage peer networks offer an important opportunity to promote gender-equitable norms and reduce future violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Objectives To examine baseline gender role attitudes among 1,752 Grade 6 students in Pakistan and identify factors associated with patriarchal gender attitudes that may contribute to VAWG.

Methods This study analyzed baseline data from a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in 40 public schools in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Students completed questionnaires assessing gender attitudes, peer violence, family violence, corporal punishment, child marriage expectations, depression, food insecurity, and school experiences. Social norms were measured primarily through a 12-item gender attitudes scale and indicators of family and peer environments, including violence exposure and child marriage expectations. Multivariable mixed-effects regression models examined factors associated with patriarchal attitudes.

Intervention Details This paper reports baseline findings only. It is part of the evaluation of the two-year Right To Play school-based intervention, which uses sport to promote gender-equitable, respectful, and non-violent attitudes among adolescents. No intervention outcomes are presented.

Results Boys reported significantly more patriarchal gender attitudes than girls. For both sexes, greater food insecurity and peer violence perpetration were associated with more patriarchal attitudes. Among boys, patriarchal attitudes were also associated with peer victimization, depressive symptoms, and being promised in marriage. Among girls, corporal punishment at home was independently associated with more patriarchal attitudes, highlighting the influence of both peer and family social environments.

Conclusions Gender attitudes are closely linked to social norms within peer groups and families. The findings suggest that interventions targeting adolescents—particularly through schools and peer networks—have strong potential to shift inequitable gender norms, reduce youth violence, and contribute to the long-term prevention of violence against women and girls.