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Domestic violence laws and social norms: Evidence from Pakistan

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  • Gulesci, Selim
  • Leone, Marinella
  • Zafar, Sameen

Abstract

We investigate the effects of Domestic Violence (DV) laws in Pakistan on violence against women. Using both survey data and crime reports, and exploiting the introduction of the laws across different provinces over time, we show that the new laws had little to no effect on DV or femicides in Punjab and Sindh, while they led to an increase in both in Balochistan. The effect in Balochistan is driven by ethnic groups with more conservative attitudes towards DV and divorce. Our findings show that the introduction of laws that conflict with prevailing social norms may risk backfiring.

Suggested Citation

  • Gulesci, Selim & Leone, Marinella & Zafar, Sameen, 2026. "Domestic violence laws and social norms: Evidence from Pakistan," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:203:y:2026:i:c:s0305750x26000653
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2026.107376
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    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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