Norms matter, but how exactly? What are the precise mechanisms of cultural persistence? Drawing on my qualitative research in India, Mexico, Morocco, Zambia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Italy and Turkey, I suggest 8 ways in which culture perpetuates gender inequalities:

Loving mothers reproduce patriarchal sons

Men amass advantage and expect respect

Concern for social approval

Male-dominated public spaces are seen as lecherous

Dissent is suppressed

Despondency traps

Cultural celebrations naturalise inequalities

Religion