GENDER IN PAKISTANI POLITICS: THE UNSEEN POWER OF CULTURE AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Abstract

Understanding the role of gender in politics remains a theoretical debate and policy concern. This article explores how gender construction influences women’s political participation in Pakistan. This study particularly highlights how culture, social structure, and social status intersect with women’s political participation. Feminist political perspective guides the methodological application of this study. Data for this study come from women and men political activists through interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative thematic analysis method helped in the analysis of data. Findings of the study revealed that women’s political participation is influenced by cultural norms, expectations and women’s domestic roles. Similarly, the role of women’s social status in relation to patriarchy is found affecting women’s political participation. In order to improve women’s political participation, the study suggests gender socialization on equality basis.