Family Violence Including Crimes of Honor in Jordan

Abstract

This study describes university students' perceptions of the seriousness of family violence in Jordan, including crimes of honor and, within constraints, identifies demographic and attitudinal factors associated with these perceptions. Data were extracted from a comprehensive survey of a stratified random sample of students attending two major universities in Jordan during the spring of 1995. Descriptive statistics demonstrate that well more than half the students view six types of family violence as “very much of a problem.” Results indicate that only the social class variables of father's occupational status and mother's education significantly influence students' perceptions of family violence in the combined sample. Sex differences are found when data from men and women are analyzed separately. Study findings connected with the literature review demonstrate the need for extended research and offer support for Jordanians who are calling for legal and social reforms related to family violence.