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The Aggressive Gender Backlash in Intimate Partner Relationships: A Theoretical Framework and Initial Measurement
Aristides A Vara-Horna1,2, Noelia Rodríguez-Espartal2
1Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Human Resources, San Martín de Porres University, Lima 15009, Peru.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Aggressive gender backlash (AGB) is a new measure of harmful relationship behaviors that often precede intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). This covert, non-violent resistance to female empowerment negatively impacts women's well-being and productivity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Gender backlash (GB) is an underexplored area within intimate partner relationships.
- Aggressive gender backlash (AGB) is a distinct dimension of GB, characterized by covert, non-violent behaviors.
- Existing measures do not adequately capture AGB, necessitating a new assessment tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce and validate a novel instrument to measure aggressive gender backlash (AGB).
- Assess the reliability, discriminant validity, and predictive validity of the AGB scale.
- Examine the relationship between AGB and women's empowerment, subordination, emotional health, and work productivity.
Main Methods:
- Developed a multidimensional scale based on the General Aggression Model.
- Collected data from 513 Peruvian female microentrepreneurs.
- Utilized psychometric analyses to validate the AGB scale across five dimensions.
Main Results:
- The AGB scale demonstrated solid reliability and validity.
- AGB was found to be more prevalent than intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and often preceded it.
- AGB is significantly associated with lower empowerment, increased subordination, emotional morbidity, and decreased productivity.
Conclusions:
- AGB is a measurable, interpersonal process distinct from but functionally equivalent to IPVAW.
- The validated AGB scale offers a tool for early detection and prevention of gender-based harm in relationships.
- Findings highlight the pervasive impact of non-violent resistance to female empowerment on women's lives.
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