Civil War Induced Social Rupture and Transformative Changes: Women’s Political Participation and Land Ownership in Post-War Nepal

Abstract Does civil war improve women’s access to economic resources in the post-war years? By defining access to economic resources in terms of land ownership, which is influenced by cultural norms and gender practices, this research develops the argument that civil war can improve women’s access to economic resources in the post-war years if war-induced social rupture breaks down traditional gender norms and cultural practices that discriminate against women. This rupture leads to an increase in women’s social visibility and political participation, further eroding traditional norms and institutions that discriminate against women, leading to an increase in women’s access to economic resources. Analyses of sub-national level data on civil war violence, women’s political participation, and land ownership in post-war Nepal show a positive relationship between civil war violence and women’s political participation. Additionally, women’s political participation was positively related to women’s land ownership.