Palestinian students' attitudes toward honor killing crimes: a quantitative, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Honor killings are a deeply ingrained practice within Palestinian patriarchal culture, where violations of perceived family honor-particularly by women-can lead to extreme consequences. This study examines the attitudes of Palestinian university students toward honor killings, with a focus on understanding how the younger, more educated generation perceives this phenomenon. Given the role of socialization and moral development in shaping beliefs, this research explores whether gender, geography, and religious background influence attitudes toward honor-based violence.

METHODS

A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted among students at An-Najah National University, the largest university in the West Bank. A structured questionnaire, developed by the researchers, was distributed online to assess students' attitudes toward honor killings, particularly concerning women's marital status and involvement in perceived moral transgressions. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were employed to examine associations between demographic factors (gender, geographical location, and religious affiliation) and students' responses.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that while a significant portion of students justified the killing of individuals engaging in extramarital sexual relationships, they largely opposed violence against women who had non-sexual interactions with men. Gender differences were evident, with male students exhibiting stronger endorsement of honor-based violence compared to females. Psychological constructs such as moral disengagement and cognitive dissonance may play a role in justifying or rejecting honor killings, with religious and cultural influences further shaping these attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the persistence of honor-based justifications for violence among segments of the younger generation, emphasizing the need for psychological and educational interventions. Addressing cognitive biases, reshaping social norms, and implementing policies that challenge gender-based violence are critical for fostering attitudinal change. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on honor crimes and gender equality in Palestinian society, offering insights for future research and policy development.