State Reach and Gender Norms: Examining the Uptake of Equitable Land Rights

Original

State Reach and Gender Norms: Examining the Uptake of Equitable Land Rights

Lauren Honig, Adam S. Harris, Ellen Lust

Abstract

abstract: State reach has been linked to civil conflict, democracy, and the power of local authorities. The authors find evidence that state reach may also influence social institutions governing gender and property rights. Many governments implement laws that promise equal land rights to both men and women, thus attempting to change the social institutions governing land management. However, success varies. This article draws on original survey evidence from Malawi to show that state reach is positively associated with the practice of gender-equitable property rights at the community level and household level, even when considering community differences in such factors as land values, proximity to urban areas, migration, market access, ethnic heterogeneity, education, wealth, the nature of customary authorities, and lineage systems. Evidence from thirty-two focus groups reveals the importance of two key state reach mechanisms: state information dissemination and access to state forums. This research has implications for the study of the state, modernization, and social institutions, as well as for property rights and gender equality in Africa.