A Comparative Study on Attitude Towards Domestic Violence Among University Students Across Caste and Gender of Hazaribagh District

Abstract

This study explores the attitudes towards domestic violence among university students in Hazaribagh District, focusing on the influence of gender, caste, and educational background. The research seeks to understand how these factors shape perceptions of domestic violence. Initially, 28 participants were considered; however, one respondent was excluded due to being a minor. Consequently, the final sample comprised 27 university students representing diverse caste groups, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and General castes. The study utilized a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising 16 Likert-scale items to examine attitudes towards domestic violence. The questions focused on the acceptance of physical aggression and reasons justifying a husband’s right to beat his wife. Data were collected through a web-based survey completed by participants over a 30-day period. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The mean scores for attitudes were 1.3 for gender, 4.7 for caste, and 8.44 for education, indicating variations in perceptions based on these variables. Cohort analysis shows that gender and education have a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.509, p = 0.007), while other variables have a weak relationship. As shown in the regression and ANOVA, gender (p = 0.617), caste (p = 0.358), and education level (p = 0.159) are not predictors of approval of domestic violence. Based on selected variables, the null hypothesis must be accepted to fulfil the research aim. The findings of this study reveal that gender, caste, and educational level do not significantly predict the approval of wife-beating within the sample. While male participants were more likely to rationalize domestic violence than female participants, and Scheduled Caste and Backward Caste respondents displayed slightly more liberal attitudes towards dowry, these trends were not statistically significant in the regression model. The results indicate minimal differences in attitudes based on demographic variables, suggesting a systematic similarity in perceptions of domestic violence across the sample. The study highlights the complex and controversial nature of attitudes toward domestic violence and underscores the potential role of education in fostering awareness to challenge violent norms.