Assessing the Impact of Consanguineous Marriages on Spousal Violence: A Southern Indian Perspective from NFHS Data

Madhumita Bango, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)

In the national discourse on women's autonomy, Southern India is often seen as having less entrenched patriarchal practices due to factors- cross-cousin marriages, greater independence in women's mobility, and state-driven initiatives that enhance women's empowerment through education, livelihood opportunities, and infrastructure development. However, recent NFHS-5 data reveals a concerning rise in spousal violence against women in this region, where consanguineous marriages are prevalent. This study examines whether consanguinity constrains women's mobility, voice, and freedom within intra-family marriages, potentially contributing to spousal violence. Using NFHS-5 data, the study employs bivariate analysis to compare outcomes between consanguineous and non-consanguineous marriages and applies a logistic regression model to explore the impact of consanguinity alongside other socio-economic and demographic factors. Findings indicate that 38% of women in consanguineous marriages across India report spousal violence, compared to 29% in non-consanguineous marriages. In Southern states, 65% of women in consanguineous marriages face spousal violence, even when professionally employed, and 29% report violence when more educated than their spouses. The regression model confirms the significant role of consanguinity in spousal violence. The results argue for manipulating contextual factors to empower women to challenge gender-related equations and investing in education for gender sensitization at the higher-level social ecologies.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Dynamics

See extended abstract.