The Role of Cultural, Social, and Individual Beliefs in the Normalisation and Perpetuation of Femicide: A Narrative Review

Femicide, the intentional killing of women due to their gender, continues to be a critical issue worldwide, often driven by entrenched cultural, social, and individual beliefs that legitimise and normalise violence against women. This narrative review aimed to analyse how these belief systems contribute to the perpetuation and normalisation of femicide. A thorough literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. The analysis included studies published over the last 20 years that examined the influence of cultural, social, and individual attitudes on gender violence.

The review identified several key factors: patriarchal cultural traditions, societal gender norms, and misogynistic individual attitudes, all of which contribute to the persistence of femicide. Regional differences in the acceptance of violence against women were also explored, demonstrating the significance of contextual factors. Gaps in the current literature were highlighted, particularly regarding the need for more research on interventions that target harmful beliefs.

The findings suggest that addressing the cultural and individual beliefs that support femicide is critical for reducing gender-based violence. This review provides insights for social workers, policy-makers, and activists in developing targeted interventions to combat these destructive ideologies and promote gender equality.