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Honor Killings in the Middle East and North Africa: A Systematic Review of the Literature

NCJ Number
238201
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 17 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2011 Pages: 1442-1464
Author(s)
Andrzej Kulczycki; Sarah Windle
Date Published
November 2011
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article presents a systematic review of the research literature on honor killings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Abstract
A systematic review of the research literature on honor killings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) indicates a paucity of studies relative to the presumed magnitude of the problem. Forty articles were reviewed and critically appraised, of which only 9 contained primary data and 11 presented original secondary analyses. Despite a recent increase in published studies, persistent methodological limitations restrict the generalizability of findings. Most studies focus on legal aspects, determinants, and characteristics of victims and perpetrators. Victims are mostly young females murdered by their male kin. Unambiguous evidence of a decline in tolerance of honor killings remains elusive. (Published Abstract)