Gender Norms as Asymmetric Institutions: A Case Study of Yoruba Women in Nigeria

摘要

The distinction between symmetric and asymmetric norms enables, we think, a more detailed institutional analysis of norms that have unequal effects for different social groups. Our case study has illustrated the relevance of this distinction for the case of gender norms and gender inequality at the household level. We have suggested that even symmetric norms in households may have unequal gender effects because they are dominated by asymmetric norms that provide and protect socio-economic advantages for men.