The Aggressive Gender Backlash in Intimate Partner Relationships: A Theoretical Framework and Initial Measurement

Abstract

This study introduces and validates a novel instrument to measure aggressive gender backlash (AGB), a distinct and underexplored dimension of gender backlash (GB) within intimate partner relationships. Based on the General Aggression Model, a multidimensional scale was developed and tested using data from 513 Peruvian female microentrepreneurs. Results demonstrate solid evidence of reliability, discriminant validity, and predictive validity across five dimensions: hostility, the withdrawal of support, sabotage/coercion, gender stereotyping, and masculine victimization. The findings reveal that AGB is more prevalent than intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and often precedes it. AGB encompasses covert, non-violent behaviors that aim to resist female empowerment, such as emotional sabotage, manipulation, and disqualification, often normalized within relationships. This construct is significantly associated with lower levels of empowerment, increased subordination, emotional morbidity, and decreased work productivity. This study redefines GB as an interpersonal process measurable at the individual level and provides the first validated tool for its assessment. By conceptualizing AGB as a persistent, harmful, and functionally equivalent mechanism to IPVAW, though not necessarily physically violent, this research fills a key gap in gender violence literature. It offers practical implications for early detection and prevention strategies.

Keywords: General Aggression Model; aggressive gender backlash; emotional coercion; empowerment; intimate partner relationships; psychometric validation; violence prevention; women’s autonomy.

Figure 1

Semi-circumplex model of aggressive gender backlash. Note. The exact coordinates of each variable were retained to preserve the model’s analytical structure. QS = Withdraw Social Support; EG = Claims Loss of the Caring Role; DM = Claims Damages to Masculinity; HP = Passive Hostility; HA = Active Hostility; S = Sabotage; C = Coercion. Radial coordinates constructed with the standardized factor loadings from factor analysis with Geomin rotation. RMSEA = 0.067, p = 0.203; SRMR = 0.017; CFI = 0.991; TLI = 0.975; and χ² (df) = 19.4 (8), p = 0.012.