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Alcohol Prohibition and attitudes towards spousal violence against women

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  • Jha, Chandan Kumar
  • Sharma, Ghanshyam

Abstract

We study the effects of a comprehensive, statewide alcohol ban on attitudes towards spousal violence in the Indian state of Bihar. Using a triple-difference framework, we document significant improvements in attitudes towards spousal violence involving scenarios reflecting an increase in women’s personal freedom, such as going out without telling the husband and arguing with the husband. We observe no change in attitudes involving a wife’s supposedly traditional responsibilities, such as looking after kids, cooking, and having sex with the husband. We argue and provide evidence that alcohol consumption exerts a significant income effect, souring spousal relations that causes men’s attitudes towards wife-beating to worsen. Our findings suggest that the alcohol ban benefited women of weaker sections (SC/ST communities) of society the most. We conclude that while such policies can empower women in certain walks of life, they are insufficient to alter long-rooted patriarchal beliefs.

Suggested Citation

  • Jha, Chandan Kumar & Sharma, Ghanshyam, 2026. "Alcohol Prohibition and attitudes towards spousal violence against women," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:120:y:2026:i:c:s2214804325001715
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2025.102507
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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