INCOME INEQUALITY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS FROM MICS SURVEY DATA

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to estimate domestic violence in Punjab (Pakistan) and to empirically investigate the impact of income inequality on domestic violence in Punjab (Pakistan) by using the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) microdata. Domestic violence is a human right violation and is a worldwide issue. Over the world, about one in three (35%) of women experience domestic violence. The present study uses domestic violence as dependent variables and the Gini coefficient as independent variable and other control variables at the district level in Punjab (Pakistan). Results of this study show that the Gini coefficient has a positive and significant relationship with domestic violence. The outcome of this study shows that the higher the unequal distribution of income, the higher the violence. In this study, northern and eastern districts in Punjab are more developed and have more equal distribution of income, while southern and western districts in Punjab have more unequal distribution of income and other resources. The government of Punjab should prioritize Southern and western districts, like Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Bhakkar and Khushab, Muzaffargarh and Layyah, for focused intervention for poverty eradication and equal opportunities for everyone. Keywords: Domestic Violence, Income Inequality, Punjab, Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey