Sodo-Cultural and Political Constraints in Gender Development: A Case Study of District Malakand NWFP

Abstract

This thesis is <::n attempt to describe the Socio-Cultural, and Political batTiers that exist in gender development particularly in women's empowerment in Pakhfoon society of village Chakdara, District Malakand of the Notih-West Frontier Province CN-W.F.P; currently named as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan. The data for this research was collected in 2007 by applying anth 'opological teclmiques particularly, participant observation, case studies and in-depth interviews. The data is thoroughly analyzed and the results highlight that there exist various social, cultural, economic, religious and political constraints, which in turn resist women's empowerment and gender development in Pakhtoon society. Among social and cultural barriers, the most impoliant are system of patriarchy, male dominancy and centuries old traditions, which reinforce other barriers as well. As a result, women are confined to domestic sphere, restricting their mobility, access to means of communication and participation in commur.:al life. These barriers reduce women access to basic healthcare, education, recreation, inheritance, mate-selection etc. The study shows that due to these constraints, women face disparity in norms, values, customs and traditions e.g. Pakhtoonwali, Badal, Swam, Tarborwali and the like. Women earning is considered inferior and it is a cultural stigma both for family and women concerned. With regard to economic constraints, differences are found m division of labor, duration of work and wage earning of both male and female. Besides, women also fail to register their wOlih in prof,~ssi on and employment, due to cultural restrictions and lack of access to professional skills and discrimination in policies, both at private and government level. The poE ~ica l constraints highlighted by the study incl ude lack of right to vote, contest elections, visit polling stations, participation in political campaigns and registration of their VI names in voter li s~ etc. The research further indicates that the various religious constraints include violation of women 'J3sic religious fights i.e. lack of equality at spiritual, moral, economic and political levels: exploitation tlu'ough superstitious beliefs, and lack of equality in property and inheritm1ce rights. Besides, women cannot exercise their rights with regard to mate-selection, taking divorce, punishments and rewards, social justice, marriage contract (Nikah) , bride price fixation and education. The study also encompasses constraints that spring from male dominated perceptions, male social and cultural biasness and prejudices along with their gender-blind perceptions towards women in education, religion, health, employment and politics etc. Although, every culture has its own relative gender roles and it works according to its own normative structure. Such relativism and cultural conditioning are important in the present study because Pakhtoon culture of the area possesses its own unique characteristics that become a source of inspiration for its members during their socialization and personality development proccss. The roles and statuses assigned to both male and female are governed by norms and values of the culture known as Pakhtoonwali (Pakhtoons ' code of life). The traditional social structure of the research community is ovenidden by male dominancy and patriarchy along with religion; interpreted to the disadvantage of women folk, combine to create an atmosphere ')assive for women's social, cultural, political and intellectual development. Fmiher, theoretical framework of the study and research f ndings conclude that the role of religion is comparatively more dominant in social relations and communal affairs but in fact, rather than religion, the centuries old traditions and Pakhtoon code of life (Pakhtoonwali) are dominating to hinder the way of gender development and women's empowerment in the area . However, changes are inevitable and due to modemization, globalization, mass mee ia .. education and technological advancement, Pakhtoon culture in VII area has witnessed various changes. This thesis is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter introduces topic in a general perspective, states problem in a historical perspective, and then locates it in a theoretical framework. This chapter also includes objectives, significance, hypothesis and model Qf the study and it also elaborates the overall research methodology of the study including various c.n~hropologica l teclmiques. The second chapter is devoted to various theoretical perspectives describing issues of gender movements and women's empowerment both from Western and Islam ic world. Chapter tlu·ee relates details of the area in general and socio-economic profile of ta rget population in particular. Chapter four elaborates with pattern of social organizafon in research area in relation to Pakhtoon code of conduct or Pakhtoonwali. Chapter five delineates social, cultural and political baniers in women's empowerment with pariicular reference to the role of male dominancy and cultural values. Chapter six deals with religious constraints in women's empowerment and it also throws light on gender-blind male perceptions in the field of education, po:itics, economy etc. Last but not the least, final chapter, i.e, Chapter seven sums-up and concludes the research study.