Changing gender and social norms, attitudes and behaviours

The report looks at interventions targeting the individual and inter-relational levels, the community level and the wider societal level

Abstract

Question for this helpdesk report:

What rigorous evidence is there on what types of programming interventions work to bring about changes in gender and social norms, and changes in wider attitudes and behaviours?

This annotated bibliography presents studies of programmes that aim to bring about changes in gender and social norms, and changes in wider attitudes and behaviours. Much of the literature and some programme designs recognise the need to change social norms in order to change behaviours, such as HIV/AIDs prevention and better sanitation and hygiene.

The report looks at interventions targeting the individual and inter-relational levels (e.g. workshops); the community level (e.g. community dialogue, community mobilisation and youth initiatives); and the wider societal level (mass media and edutainment). It highlights the effects of such interventions, focusing on rigorous evaluations.

Citation

Haider, H. (2017). Changing gender and social norms, attitudes and behaviours. K4D Helpdesk Research Report series. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies, 38p

Changing gender and social norms, attitudes and behaviours

Updates to this page

Published 11 April 2017