A church-based intervention for families to promote mental health and prevent HIV among adolescents in rural Kenya: Results of a randomized trial
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study highlights the role of family and church-based relationships in shaping social norms around adolescent mental health and HIV prevention. The intervention fostered shifts in injunctive norms by reinforcing open communication, gender-equitable attitudes, and joint problem-solving within families. By situating the program within trusted church settings and engaging both adolescents […]
Effects of the reaching married adolescents program on modern contraceptive use and intimate partner violence: results of a cluster randomized controlled trial among married adolescent girls and their husbands in Dosso, Niger
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study shows that changing gender norms requires different strategies depending on the outcome of interest. Household visits increased contraceptive use, likely by addressing misinformation and providing private support, while small group sessions were more effective in reducing intimate partner violence by creating space for critical reflection on shared gender norms. […]
Mediating effects of inequitable gender norms on intimate partner violence and contraceptive use in a cluster randomized control trial in Niger: A causal inference mediation analysis
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study provides experimental evidence that changes in perceived inequitable gender norms among men can partially explain reductions in intimate partner violence. However, it also shows that such norms may hinder improvements in contraceptive use if not addressed. Social norms, particularly men’s perceptions of what their peers believe about gender roles, […]
Effect of a gender-synchronized family planning intervention on inequitable gender norms in a cluster randomized control trial among husbands of married adolescent girls in Dosso, Niger
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study provides rare causal evidence that social norms around gender inequity can be shifted through a simple, scalable intervention. Small group discussions facilitated by community health workers created a space for men to reflect on and challenge harmful gender norms. The findings reinforce that changing social norms, requires peer engagement […]
Contesting restrictive mobility norms among female mentors implementing a sport-based programme for young girls in a Mumbai slum
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study shows that even in highly restrictive settings, collective action and community-rooted programming can empower young women to challenge entrenched gender norms—especially those limiting female mobility and public visibility. The mentors in this program strategically negotiated their participation in public life, gradually shifting their families’ and communities’ perceptions. The social […]
Female Condom Use among Female University Students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Results of a Randomized Behavioral Trial
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study suggests that brief, group-based female condom (FC) promotion interventions can shift individual-level attitudes and peer norms regarding condom use among young women, even in contexts of entrenched gender inequalities. While broader social norms around male dominance in sexual decision-making remain a barrier, increasing women’s condom self-efficacy and improving peer […]
Narrative Persuasion and Social Norms in Entertainment-Education: Results from a Radio Drama in Mozambique
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms around maternal health, sanitation, and reporting sexual abuse in Mozambique remain resistant to change, with community norms often not aligned with the behaviors promoted by the intervention. Although audiences engaged deeply with the radio drama’s characters and stories, indicating strong narrative persuasion, prevailing social norms continued to favor inaction […]
Transforming the attitudes of young men about gender roles and the acceptability of violence against women, Bihar.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study shows that gender-transformative interventions targeting rural, out-of-school young men can shift harmful norms around masculinity and gender-based violence. Changes were especially strong among boys who regularly attended sessions. Critically, the program worked not just by changing individual attitudes but by influencing what young men believed their peers respected, suggesting […]
A stigma-reduction intervention targeting abortion and contraceptive use among adolescents in Kisumu County, Kenya: a quasi-experimental study
Key Social Norms Take-Aways: This study shows that participatory, values-based education can shift deeply held social norms among adolescents. By encouraging open dialogue and reflection on stigmatized issues like abortion and contraception, the intervention helped reduce judgment and promoted supportive attitudes. Addressing these interconnected stigmas is critical for enabling young people to make informed reproductive […]
Results from a cluster-randomized trial to evaluate a microfinance and peer health leadership intervention to prevent HIV and intimate partner violence among social networks of Tanzanian men.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study shows that shifting men’s attitudes around gender norms is possible through peer-led interventions, but changing behaviors tied to power, masculinity, and violence demands deeper, sustained engagement. Effective interventions must focus not only on individual beliefs but also on the community and relational dynamics that reinforce harmful practices. Objectives: This […]