Social-Culture Factors are Impacting the Status of Women in Punjab: a Case Study

Abstract

Women experience discrimination in communities where men predominate. Socio-cultural influences, particularly in rural areas, have a significant impact on women's status in many different ways. The level of gender equality is a crucial sign of a country's prosperity. This research was developed to look at how sociocultural influences affect the status of women in Punjab, Pakistan. Six districts were selected for this study: Vehari, Sahiwal, Chiniot, Jhang, Faisalabad & Gujranwala.  One tehsil from each district was choosen and In the first phase of the multistage sample, two union councils—one from rural and one from urban areas—were randomly selected from each tehsil.  From each union council, one village was randomly chosen for the second stage. In the end, 15 respondents were conveniently chosen from each village. There were 180 responders in the entire sample. Under the study's goals, an interview schedule was created, and after that, data was gathered through in-person interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) tool was used for collected data analysis. The results show that respondents' family structure, economic position, and level of education all have a significant impact on their status. Therefore, it is advised that measures for women's family planning awareness, employment, education, and training be incorporated into Government programs.

Keywords: Socio-culture factors, District Sahiwal, male domination, women's status