Sociocognitive Predictors of Condom Use and Intentions Among Adolescents in Three Sub-Saharan Sites
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study reinforces the importance of beliefs about what others expect and approve of as key predictors of condom use intentions among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings highlight that in collectivist settings, social approval from peers and family may exert a stronger influence than individual attitudes. The results suggest that […]
A radio drama’s effects on attitudes toward early and forced marriage: Results from a field experiment in Rural Tanzania
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study examines how entertainment-education can shift attitudes and perceived social norms related to early and forced marriage. Although it does not use formal social norms measurement tools, it assesses perceived descriptive norms (what others do) and injunctive norms (what others approve of) through attitudinal questions about peer and family expectations. […]
Exploring young women’s reproductive decision-making, agency and social norms in South African informal settlements
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study highlights that focusing solely on individual agency overlooks the powerful role of social norms — particularly the expectation that young women should prove their fertility early. Programs aiming to reduce early, unplanned pregnancies must challenge these community and family pressures, while also supporting women’s increasing desire for reproductive control […]
Impact of Sumadhur intervention on fertility and family planning decision-making norms: a mixed methods study
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The Sumadhur intervention demonstrated that shifting entrenched fertility and family planning norms—especially around the timing of first births and gendered household decision-making—is possible through intentional engagement of multiple household generations. Although societal norms continue to pressure women into early pregnancy, the intervention catalyzed more gender-equitable attitudes and communication within families, revealing […]
Stepping Stones and Creating Futures intervention: shortened interrupted time series evaluation of a behavioural and structural health promotion and violence prevention intervention for young people in informal settlements in Durban, South Africa
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study highlights that integrating economic empowerment with gender-transformative interventions can effectively shift social norms among young people in informal settlements. Notably, it found that material improvements in young women’s lives—such as increased income and reduced financial dependence—enabled them to better apply knowledge from gender-transformative programming, leading to reduced experience of […]
Opportunities and Challenges in Preventing Violence Against Adolescent Girls Through Gender Transformative, Whole-Family Support Programming in Northeast Nigeria
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The SSAGE program demonstrates that synchronized, reflective engagement with caregivers, male siblings, and girls can shift household communication and decrease tolerance for violence. However, persistent patriarchal norms—particularly around girls’ obedience and mobility—limited the extent of norm change. This underscores the need for programs to simultaneously address broader structural and community-level drivers […]
A Family-Focused, Sibling-Synchronous Intervention in Borno State, Nigeria: Exploring the Impact on Family Functioning and Household Gender Roles
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study highlights that improving gender equity and reducing violence within families demands more than targeting girls alone. Engaging boys, caregivers, and the broader household in open dialogue about power, roles, and relationships is essential for transforming social norms. Programs that create space for cross-generational, gender-inclusive conversations can help challenge entrenched […]
“I got courage from knowing that even a daughter-in-law can earn her living”: Mixed methods evaluation of a family-centred intervention to prevent violence against women and girls in Nepal.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study underscores that transforming gender norms within families—by working with both women and men, as well as older and younger generations—can create meaningful change, reducing violence and enhancing women’s empowerment. Objectives: This study evaluates a family-centered intervention in Nepal designed to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG) by addressing […]
Evaluation of the Responsible, Engaged, and Loving (REAL) Fathers Initiative on Physical Child Punishment and Intimate Partner Violence in Northern Uganda
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The REAL Fathers Initiative demonstrates that targeting social norms around masculinity, fatherhood, and discipline through mentoring can significantly reduce intimate partner violence and physical child punishment. The intervention worked by addressing norms that justify violence in parenting and relationships, encouraging reflection on gender roles and expanding the perceived responsibilities of fathers. […]
Process and impact evaluation of a community gender equality intervention with young men in Rajasthan, India
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This evaluation highlights that individual-level shifts in gender norms are possible when young men are engaged in safe, reflective, and participatory group settings. The intervention catalyzed changes in attitudes and self-perceptions around masculinity, violence, and relationships. However, these internal shifts were constrained by broader social pressures—community norms lagged behind, limiting young […]