Teenagers in Jordan back honor killings
Source: AFP |
June 21, 2013, Friday
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Print Edition
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BELIEF that so-called honor killings are justified is still common among Jordanian teenagers, a Cambridge University study revealed yesterday.
The study by researchers from the university's Institute of Criminology found that almost half of boys and one in five girls interviewed in the capital, Amman, believe that killing a daughter, sister or wife who has "dishonored" or shamed the family is justified.
"Researchers surveyed over 850 students, and found that attitudes in support of honor killing are far more likely in adolescent boys with low education backgrounds," a statement said. The research is published in the criminology journal Aggressive Behavior.
"Importantly, the study found that these disturbing attitudes were not connected to religious beliefs."
Between 15 and 20 women die in so-called "honor" murders each year in the Arab kingdom, despite efforts to curb such crimes.
The main factors behind these crimes "include patriarchal and traditional world views, emphasis placed on female virtue and a more general belief that violence against others is morally justified," the study said.
"We noted substantial minorities of girls, well-educated and even irreligious teenagers who consider honor killing morally right, suggesting a persisting society-wide support for the tradition," said Professor Manuel Eisner, who led the study.
In all, 33.4 percent of all respondents either "agreed" or "strongly agreed" with situations depicting honor killings.
Murder is punishable by death in Jordan, but in "honor killings" courts can commute or reduce sentences, particularly if the victim's family asks for leniency.
The study by researchers from the university's Institute of Criminology found that almost half of boys and one in five girls interviewed in the capital, Amman, believe that killing a daughter, sister or wife who has "dishonored" or shamed the family is justified.
"Researchers surveyed over 850 students, and found that attitudes in support of honor killing are far more likely in adolescent boys with low education backgrounds," a statement said. The research is published in the criminology journal Aggressive Behavior.
"Importantly, the study found that these disturbing attitudes were not connected to religious beliefs."
Between 15 and 20 women die in so-called "honor" murders each year in the Arab kingdom, despite efforts to curb such crimes.
The main factors behind these crimes "include patriarchal and traditional world views, emphasis placed on female virtue and a more general belief that violence against others is morally justified," the study said.
"We noted substantial minorities of girls, well-educated and even irreligious teenagers who consider honor killing morally right, suggesting a persisting society-wide support for the tradition," said Professor Manuel Eisner, who led the study.
In all, 33.4 percent of all respondents either "agreed" or "strongly agreed" with situations depicting honor killings.
Murder is punishable by death in Jordan, but in "honor killings" courts can commute or reduce sentences, particularly if the victim's family asks for leniency.
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