Gender inequality can predict high rates of child physical abuse

The challenges women in lowand middle-income countries face as they seek equal rights can cause distress-and some of them may take it out on their children with physical abuse. Study: Gender Inequality in Lowand Middle-Income Countries: Associations with Parental Physical Abuse and Moderation by Child Gender In a new report published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, University of Michigan researchers found that gender inequality at the adult level perpetuates women's economic insecurity that contributes to higher levels of child abuse. The study involved more than 420,000 households from UNICEF and United Nations data from 51 countries. Respondents answered questions about whether they hit, beat or slapped the child in the face, head or ears in the past month. A separate index collected by the UN measured levels of gender inequality. Using multiple variables, the researchers calculated the odds of child abuse. The study found that nearly 8% of children were exposed to physical abuse, more often occurring in situations in which levels of gender inequality were higher.