Sixty-three percent of Indian men hold a favorable attitude toward women's sexual autonomy, with egalitarian views on household decision-making, higher educational attainment, married status, media exposure, working status, and wealthier household strata positively associated with such support.
Approximately 63% of Indian men hold a favorable attitude toward women's sexual autonomy.
Men with egalitarian views on household decision-making were significantly more likely to hold favorable attitudes toward women's sexual autonomy.
Higher educational attainment was positively associated with men's favorable attitudes toward women's sexual autonomy.
Media exposure was positively associated with men's favorable attitudes toward women's sexual autonomy.
Belonging to a wealthier household was positively associated with men's favorable attitudes toward women's sexual autonomy.
Currently married and currently working men were more likely to hold favorable attitudes toward women's sexual autonomy.
Younger, non-literate, unmarried, unemployed, and rural men were identified as groups less likely to support women's sexual autonomy and in need of targeted interventions.
This research used a large, nationally representative survey of over 100,000 Indian men to understand how many support women's right to make their own sexual decisions — including the right to refuse sex — and what factors predict that support. The study found that roughly 6 in 10 Indian men held favorable views on women's sexual autonomy, meaning a substantial minority (about 37%) did not. Men who believed in shared household decision-making, had more education, were exposed to media, were employed, were married, or lived in wealthier households were all more likely to be supportive. The strongest predictor was whether a man held gender-equal views about who should make decisions in the home. This suggests that attitudes about women's autonomy in one domain (domestic decisions) are closely linked to attitudes in another (sexual choices). The findings point to men's gender beliefs as a key lever for improving women's sexual and reproductive health outcomes in India, where women continue to face significant barriers to exercising control over their own bodies and health decisions. This research suggests that programs aiming to improve women's sexual and reproductive health in India should not focus solely on women — engaging men, particularly younger, less-educated, unmarried, unemployed, and rural men, is also important. Community-based workshops, media campaigns, and outreach by local leaders and health workers are highlighted as potential strategies to promote more gender-equitable attitudes among men.
Pradhan M, De P. (2025). Men's gender role and attitude toward sexual autonomy of women in India.. PloS one. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317301