Feasibility and acceptability of a life skills and reproductive health empowerment intervention for young newly married women in Rajasthan, India: a pre-post convergent mixed methods pilot study
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Restrictive gender norms—particularly expectations around early childbearing, limited female autonomy, and deference to marital households—shape newly married women’s reproductive health behaviors; however, this study shows that participatory, life-skills-based interventions can begin to shift these norms by strengthening women’s agency, communication, and social support networks. The study suggests that addressing norms indirectly—through […]
Preparing for constructive engagement with men’s resistance to gender equality messaging: lessons from an intimate partner violence prevention programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Key Social Norms Takeaways: Men’s resistance to gender equality messaging is not simply opposition but reflects active negotiation of social norms. These resistance “scripts” both reinforce existing patriarchal norms and create openings for dialogue and incremental change. Social norms around male authority, respect, and acceptable violence remain deeply embedded, but the process of contestation—especially in […]
Can the law affect attitudes and behavior in the absence of strict enforcement? Experimental evidence from a child marriage reform in Bangladesh
Key Social Norms Takeaways: The study shows that formal laws can interact with entrenched social norms in complex and sometimes counterproductive ways. In contexts where child marriage is strongly supported by community norms and customary authorities, stricter laws may trigger backlash rather than compliance. Instead of shifting norms toward delayed marriage, legal changes—especially when perceived […]
She Is a Guest in My House: Exploring the Barriers to Asset Development and Decision-Making Autonomy Among Young Women in Southern Uganda
Key Social Norms Takeaways: Deeply entrenched patriarchal social norms in Southern Uganda—reinforced through family systems, cultural expectations, and institutional practices—systematically restrict young women’s access to assets and decision-making power. Norms positioning women as dependent “guests” in their husbands’ homes and prioritizing men as providers and decision-makers shape both structural opportunities and individual agency. Critically, the […]
Impact of a multilevel HIV prevention programme on adolescent girls and young women’s empowerment for risk reduction: A mixed methods evaluation in Kenya
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study shows that gender norms are central to HIV risk and to the DREAMS theory of change, particularly norms around male authority, female submissiveness, stigma toward girls’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service use, and acceptance of violence. While DREAMS contributed to changes in girls’ confidence, aspirations, and peer support, […]
Evaluating the Impact of the “Gender Equity Movement in Schools” (GEMS) Intervention on Gender Knowledge and Attitudes Among Male Adolescents in Bangladesh: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study.
Key Social Norms Takeaways: Gender norms among adolescent boys are shaped by a complex interplay of school-based interventions, family environments, peer influence, and media exposure. While structured programs like GEMS can challenge inequitable norms, deeply embedded social norms—especially those reinforced within households—can limit attitudinal change. Norm change is gradual and requires consistent exposure, reflection, and […]
Developmental Trajectories of Transactional Sex and Age-Disparate Relationships During Adolescence: An HPTN 068 Analysis.
Key Social Norms Takeaways: Social norms—particularly inequitable gender norms—play a central role in shaping adolescents’ engagement in transactional sex and age-disparate relationships. These norms influence power dynamics, expectations of male provision, and girls’ ability to negotiate safer relationships. The study highlights that early exposure to inequitable norms and structural vulnerabilities (e.g., poverty, IPV) reinforces sustained […]
Using radio programming to reach young adolescents with gender and sexual health information in a low-income urban setting in Kenya.
Key Social Norms Takeaways: Radio-based edutainment can effectively initiate reflection and dialogue around inequitable gender norms among very young adolescents by creating shared spaces for intergenerational discussion. Social norms are shaped not only by individual beliefs but also by family and community interactions; thus, engaging both adolescents and parents is critical. The study emphasizes that […]
Promoting gender equity in a home visits programme: a qualitative study in Northern Nigeria
Key Social Norms Takeaways: Gender norms—particularly those governing division of labour, decision-making, and gender-based violence—are deeply embedded drivers of maternal health outcomes but can be transformed through participatory, household-level interventions that engage both women and men. The study shows that shifting norms requires addressing power dynamics within couples and fostering joint reflection, communication, and shared […]
Implementation and evaluation of a family planning intervention engaging mothers-in-law of young women in India: a mixed methods pilot study.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms around early fertility, son preference, and women’s limited autonomy are strongly reinforced by mothers-in-law (MILs) in patriarchal, patrilocal households; however, this study shows that engaging MILs directly can help shift these norms. The discussion highlights that even a light-touch intervention can begin to transform entrenched norms by reframing family […]