A mixed-method review of cash transfers and intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries

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Authors
Buller, Ana Maria
Peterman, Amber
Ranganathan, Meghna
Bleile, Alexandra
Hidrobo, Melissa
Heise, Lori
Issue Date
2018-08
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Mixed-Method Review , Cash Transfers , Intimate Partner Violence , Low- and Middle-Income Countries
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Abstract
There is increasing evidence that cash transfer (CT) programs decrease intimate partner violence (IPV). However, little is known about how CTs achieve this impact. We conducted a mixed-method review of studies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Fourteen quantitative and eight qualitative studies met our inclusion criteria, of which eleven and five, respectively, demonstrated evidence that CTs decrease IPV. We found little support for increases in IPV, with only two studies showing overall mixed or adverse impacts. Drawing on these studies, as well as related bodies of evidence, we developed a program theory proposing three pathways through which CT could impact IPV: (a) economic security and emotional well-being, (b) intra-household conflict, and (c) women's empowerment. The economic security and well-being pathway hypothesizes decreases in IPV, while the other two pathways have ambiguous effects depending on program design features and behavioral responses to program components. Future studies should improve IPV measurement, empirical analysis of program mechanisms, and fill regional gaps. Program framing and complementary activities, including those with the ability to shift intra-household power relations are likely to be important design features for understanding how to maximize and leverage the impact of CTs for reducing IPV, and mitigating potential adverse impacts. Intimate partner violence. Domestic violence. Cash transfers. Women's empowerment.
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Buller, Ana Maria; Peterman, Amber; Ranganathan, Meghna; Bleile, Alexandra; Hidrobo, Melissa; Heise, Lori. 2018. A Mixed-Method Review of Cash Transfers and Intimate Partner Violence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the World Bank. © World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/33274 License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO.
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World Bank
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