Status of Rural Women: Patriarchy and Inevitability of Subjugation; A Study of Rural Area in Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Women are oppressed in every walk of life but oppression may differ from place to place. Urban Rural divide has shown the different social structures for women. The present research was conducted with these objectives: to identify the status of women in rural settings, to analysis perception of society about social status of women, to explore the impact of Patriarchy on women in context of rural settings of Multan, Pakistan. Mix research methods were used to carry this research. Interviews were conducted from 100 married women, living in rural areas of Multan. A Focus Group Discussion was also conducted to address the research questions. The findings of the study suggest that women’s health, education and economic status is poor, whereas women’s status stems from patriarchy, the power and controlling structure where men dominates over women. This is patriarchy which maintains the women’s submissive role and it generates a structure which subjugates women of rural area. The study suggests that by expanding the canvas of formal economy, it may channelize the women’s low paid or unpaid work. This can help enhance women’s economic and social status in rural areas.

Key Words: Patriarchy, Status of Women, Rural Women, Gender Inequality