Non-violent husbands in a setting in which marital violence is widely justified: An exploration of “positive deviants” in Bihar

Violence against women (VAW) is widespread in India and particularly in Bihar. Qualitative research was undertaken in Bihar to explore the context of VAW, and notably the characteristics and motivations of men who did not perpetrate violence on their wife. The study comprised 21 focus group discussions (FGDs) with unmarried and married women and men; a screening form for all 82 married women in FGDs; and in-depth interviews with 21 husbands identified in screening as violent or non-violent. Findings highlight that while violent and non-violent men were similar in many ways, the non-violent were less likely than the violent to have experienced gendered socialisation, peer pressure and violence while growing up. At the time of interview, they had a larger peer network, were less likely to be involved in physical fights, and less likely to report alcohol misuse. They were also less likely to display inegalitarian gender attitudes, for example, that their wife deserved to be beaten if she was ‘disobedient’ or made a ‘mistake.’ Finally, while they placed value on peace and marital harmony, violent men justified violence as conforming to traditional notions of masculinity. Findings offer considerable insights for interventions for men that aim to stop VAW.