Revisiting the Gender Gap in Homicide Victimization Across Nations

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between gender roles, gender status, and the gender gap in homicide victimization across nations, building on Gartner et al. We also test assumptions put forth by Gartner et al. regarding the gender gap in homicide across victim-offender relationship configurations. Gartner et al. anticipated increased rates of female homicide victimization in cases involving strangers (non-intimate partners and non-family members). We conducted fixed-effect panel analyses using data from a sample of nations to explore associations between gender roles, gender status, and the gender gap in homicide victimization. We utilize contemporaneous and conditional models, which explore effects under contextual conditions (low vs. high gender status). The findings reveal nuanced patterns due to sample composition. In the updated sample of mostly Western nations, the associations between gender roles and the gender gap were consistent with previous research. In the extended sample, including non-Western nations, these associations were inconsistent with prior research. Additionally, the victim-offender relationship assumptions from Gartner et al. were not supported. Our study provides insights into gender-based disparities in homicide victimization, highlighting the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms. Addressing the persistent gender gap in homicide requires nuanced approaches informed by contextual factors.