Cross-national variations of gender differences in violence during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study draws on General Strain Theory and analyzes international survey data collected from adults across six countries (Ukraine, Guatemala, Pakistan, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States) to examine gender differences in pandemic-related stressors, emotional responses and violence perpetration. In five of the six countries, pandemic stress is associated with violence. We find no gender differences in the links between pandemic stress and violence perpetration. On the other hand, the associations of depression and negative affect (anger and irritability) with violence are moderated by gender and vary across contexts. In several countries, pandemic stress is more strongly linked to emotional responses among men. Country- and gender-specific policy implications are discussed.