Uxoricide in Fiji

Abstract

Prior research has demonstrated a close relationship between patriarchy and female homicide victimization. This study examines this uxoricide-patriarchy connection in a non-Western society, Fiji. It is demonstrated that most cases of uxoricide among Fiji Indians emanate from husbands' attempts to enforce traditional sexual mores enshrined in a rigidly patriarchal society. The data suggest that rancorous confrontations between husbands and wives over allegations of marital infidelity were among the leading causes of spousal homicides committed by men.