WOMEN AGAINST WOMEN: UNPACKING THE JUSTIFICATION OF WIFE- BEATING IN INDIA

While the Indian economy races towards being the third largest economy of the world, women continue to struggle to maintain their safety in the domain of their homes or outside. Recent National Crime Records Bureau’s data (2022) provide evidence of a 4% surge in crime against women in India compared to 2021 and the prime contributor is cruelty by husband or his relatives, accounting for around one-third of the total crime against women. On the one hand, the increasing female labor force participation rate indicates women’s contribution to the economy and their financial empowerment, on the other hand, crime data shows a contrasting picture of abuse and oppression even within the household. What is surprising more, is that the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-2021) data shows not only around 30% of married women have experienced domestic violence, but 45% of women themselves justify wife beating by their husband. Therefore, it creates a puzzle that in the era of woke ideologies, women empowerment and equal rights, how it fails to create a safe space for women even inside their homes; and additionally, how women themselves could justify domestic violence. Applying probability models on the NFHS 2019-21 data this paper attempts to understand the attributes of the women who justify domestic violence. The paper finds that younger, less-educated, poor, village women are more likely to justify domestic violence, and women who are not aware of the world around them and are not familiar with using the internet are more likely to justify violence. Additionally, it is found that women who justify wife-beating are also more likely to face domestic violence. The paper provides evidence that in spite of women’s improving educational attainment and working status, the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset makes women still believe that it is justified to get beaten by husbands for disobeying him or challenging his authority.