Explaining intimate partner violence through economic theories: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

There are several theoretical approaches to understanding predictors of intimate partner violence [IPV] perpetrated against women globally. Economic theoretical approaches are increasingly employed to understand why some women are at higher risk of experiencing IPV and/or why some men are more likely to perpetrate IPV. We conducted a systematic review of all theoretical approaches to predictors of IPV, and present in this analysis a descriptive narrative synthesis of economic theories, as well as a description of how economic theories operationalize and measure key concepts in IPV research. The 53 included articles addressed predictors of IPV through resource theory, bargaining theory, exchange theory, empowerment theory, game theory, the theory of male backlash and the theory of status inconsistency. Of the 42 studies that included quantitative empirical data, 24 focused on low- and middle-income countries. Empirical evidence from studies presented a range of findings, with some support for economic theories of predictors of IPV and some data that contradicts these theories. Measurement of key variables to test economic theories varied, and while some central variables – such as income level, employment status and education status – were used across studies, many used differing response variables and/or differing ways to categorize differences between men and women, resulting in limited comparability between studies. Economic theories are often combined with feminist theories, addressing concerns that economic approaches are gender-blind and integrating more nuanced analysis of power within these studies. Key assumptions of economic theories, including opportunity to exit a relationship and concepts of ‘investment’ within a marriage and/or in children, require further interrogation.