SEARCH ARTICLE

54 Pages : 418-424

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-I).54      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-I).54      Published : Mar 2019

The Predicament of Empowerment: Women's Experience of Transformation in Pakistan

    Omen empowerment is perceived biggest policy challenge in Pakistan due to being a patriarchal society. Women are underpowered and usually hold a lower position in every sphere of society. Though the government had passed several policy papers for women empowerment, these remained confined to office shelves. This paper explores gender discrimination as one of the leading indicators that hinder women development and promotes inequality exists in the family, at work, also in the political sphere, education, and health care. This paper has used a feminist framework to investigate how to reduce gender inequalities and provide equal opportunities for women and men. Finally, this paper concludes that feminist theory has identified the policy gaps in the distribution of power and raise awareness of power inequalities. This paper recommends concrete policy measures with implementations commitment that can only eliminate these barriers and promote gender equality towards empowering women in Pakistan.

    Empowerment, Development, Gender, Inequality, Status of Women, Violence, Discrimination, Policy Gaps
    (1) Shafiq Qurban
    PhD Scholar, Department of Politics and International Relations, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Rubina Ali
    PhD Scholar, Department of Politics and International Relations, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

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30 Pages : 295-308

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-II).30      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-II).30      Published : Jun 2022

Analysing Household Determinants of Poverty Eradication: A Microdata Analysis

    The current study is an attempt to explore the micro determinants of poverty eradication in Pakistan. The probit model has been used on the data obtained from Pakistan Standard Living Measurement Survey 2019-20. The results indicate that access to drinking water, availability of sanitation and hygiene facilities, holding an agricultural land, having livestock in possession,household size and being a native of the area reduce the predictive probability of being poor. Other variables such as cash transfers, receiving foreign remittances and being self-employed also have a positive impact on poverty eradication. Poverty Trends are analyzed using three cycles of data from 2008-08, 2015-16 and 2019-20, which further reveals an increase in absolute poverty. Government should increase spending on socioeconomic programs with special emphasize on land distribution in rural areas. Social safety nets in the form of cash transfers and foreign remittances would support the vulnerable in the event of external shocks.

    Poverty, Inequality, Probit, Capability Approach
    (1) Jazib Mumtaz
    PhD Scholar, Faculty of Social Science, SZABIST, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Sayed Irshad Hussain
    Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Science, SZABIST, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (3) Zulfiqar Ali Keeryo
    PhD Economics, Ex-Economic Growth Advisor, Research and Training Wing, Planning and Development Department, Government of Sindh, Sindh, Pakistan

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40 Pages : 438-446

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).40      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).40      Published : Mar 2023

Understanding Women's Political Motivations in KP: Unveiling the Driving Forces

    This study examines the reasons why women get involved in politics, concentrating on the National Assembly and provincial assembly members of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The relevance of family connections, which facilitate women's entry into politics, is revealed via thematic analysis of interview data. Important motivators include persistence, character traits, inspirational leaders, alluring party platforms, and a need for accountability. Women can participate in politics if they are financially independent and have free time. The study expands on earlier research by illuminating the intricate interplay of institutional, cultural, and individual factors influencing women's political involvement. It places a focus on the necessity of addressing gender-related barriers and encouraging educational reforms to provide women with more leadership abilities. For societal change and democratic governance, political decision-making needs to be more gender diverse. The results provide useful information for political parties and authorities looking to create a welcoming environment for women in politics.

    Women in Politics, Political Participation, Motivation, Family Connections, Leadership, Gender Equality
    (1) Sumera Farid
    Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
    (2) Raza Ullah Shah
    Assistant Professor, Department of Management Sciences, Qurtuba University, Dera Ismail Khan, KP, Pakistan.
    (3) Sajjad Hussan
    Lecturer, Department of Social Work, University of Malakand, Chakdara Dir Lower, KP, Pakistan.

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01 Pages : 1-10

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).01      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).01      Published : Dec 2024

Empowering Futures: The Impact of Cultural, Social, and Economic Disparities on Girls' Education in Jhelum, Pakistan

    Gender inequality poses a challenge to the educational participation of teenage-girls in Jhelum Pakistan. This paper seeks to examine the complex factors underpinning and the extensive effects of gender inequalities in education within this area. The present study details various causes of gender inequalities as analyzed from a qualitative content analysis of various works, which include economic factors, social-cultural beliefs and practices; early marriage, lack of awareness, physical facilities, and gender biases. This study finds that all these factors work together to exclude girls from education and maintain poverty and non-advancement of socio-economic status. Finally, the discussion highlights the need to establish various strategies to address gender inequality, such as; community sensitization, increasing the percentage of girls education, finances, establishing safe school structures, and favorable laws on gender. The solution to these recommendations would help Jhelum move towards the right direction for giving teenage-girls equal education opportunities and better community.

    Gender Inequality, Women Empowerment through Education, Teenage Girls, Jhelum, Social and Cultural Norms, Early Marriage, Economic Challenges, Gender Stereotypes, Educational Access, Financial Support
    (1) Sana Amjad
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, Pakistan.

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11 Pages : 124-133

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).11      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).11      Published : Mar 2025

Education and Social Mobility: A Pathway to Economic and Social Empowerment

    Education plays a crucial role in social mobility by providing individuals with the tools to access better economic opportunities and improved social status. This paper explores the impact of educational attainment on social mobility, highlighting how it empowers individuals and bridges social classes. Through a literature review, the study establishes a direct link between education and upward mobility, particularly for disadvantaged groups. It examines formal, informal, and lifelong learning and their influence on raising living standards. The research investigates barriers to quality education economic, social, and political and how they perpetuate social inequality. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study demonstrates that education is a key driver of economic and social transformation. It emphasizes the need to improve educational access, especially in underserved communities, to promote social mobility and overall societal welfare. The paper offers policy recommendations to reduce educational disparities and support lifelong learning for all social groups.

    Education, Social Mobility, Economic Empowerment, Social Empowerment, Educational Inequality, Lifelong Learning
    (1) Sajida Roshan
    M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Education, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Fazul Rahman
    M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Education, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan.

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16 Pages : 198-208

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-IV).16      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-IV).16      Published : Dec 2025

Identity Construction in Polygamous Households: Psychological and Social Consequences for Women in Central Punjab

    This qualitative research work focuses on social, psychological and physical experiences of polygamous first wives in Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. The semi-structured interviews, informed by Feminist Theory and Intersectionality, were carried out with 11 first wives and their interviews analyzed through the use of the thematic analysis. Eight themes were identified as being associated and connected: emotional neglect, social marginalization, psychological distress, physical health degradation, religious justification and gendered silence, economic dependency, coping mechanisms and identity reconstruction. The subjects indicated the loss of emotional support, social respect, anxiety, sleeping difficulties. The results indicate that polygamy is a socially constructed institution, which supports gendered inequalities in rural Pakistan. The increased enforcement of family laws, the increase of community-based counseling and mental-health services, the enhancement of gender- sensitive religious education, and women economic empowerment are necessary to increase well-being in polygamous families.

    Polygamy; Gender Inequality; Emotional Neglect; Women’s Well-Being; Patriarchy; Pakistan
    (1) Shahzad Khaver Mushtaq
    Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Intizar Raza
    Civil Teacher, Garrison Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC), Cantt Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Asma Yunus
    Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.

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30 Pages : 348-359

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).30      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).30      Published : Sep 2025

Religiosity, Socioeconomic Inequality, and Health Behavior among Pakistani University Students: A Sociological Analysis

    This paper analyzes the sociological connection between religiosity, socioeconomic disparity, and health behaviors among Pakistani university students based on the sociological framework. The multistage stratified random sampling was used to obtain 384 students at the University of Sargodha to complete a quantitative cross-sectional survey. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between religiosity and health behaviors. Family income and perceived social status were also found to be important predictors and there was no statistically significant influence of age and education level.  The paper will be a contribution to sociology of health because it will reveal the combined effects of culturally embedded religious norms and structural inequalities on health behavior among young adults in Pakistan and it will have a significant implication on culturally sensitive health promotion interventions and equity-based health promotion in higher education institutions.

    Religiosity; Health behavior; Socioeconomic inequality; University students; Pakistan.
    (1) Saman Naseer
    M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Shahzad Khaver Mushtaq
    Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.

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04 Pages : 38-48

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2026(XI-I).04      10.31703/gssr.2026(XI-I).04      Published : Mar 2026

Cultural Capital and Educational Inequality: A Study of Academic Achievement and Persistence among Higher Education Students

    This is a qualitative research study on the influence of cultural capital on the experience of students and their education results in higher education. Through the Bourdieu theory of cultural capital, habitus, and field, the study examines the way students with varying socioeconomic statuses act to mobilize embodied, objectified and institutionalized forms of capital in universities. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 undergraduate students, with different socioeconomic and first-generation backgrounds. Thematic analysis showed that cultural capital has significant impacts on academic confidence, classroom involvement, institutional orientation, and sense of belonging. Students with high socioeconomic status exhibited a greater adherence to the mainstream academic standards, and the first-generation and low-SES students indicated that they experienced difficulties in the beginning but had developed coping strategies throughout their lives. The results bring out the reproductive character of higher education as well as its reorganizational possibilities. The research paper highlights the importance of having inclusive institutional practices in order to minimize the inequalities in academic achievement and persistence.

    Cultural Capital, Education Inequality, Academic Achievement, Persistence, Higher Education
    (1) Shafquat Ali
    Visiting Lecturer, Department of Sociology & Gender Studies, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Tahir
    Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Karakorum University Diamer Campus, Chilas, Gilgit- Baltistan, Pakistan.
    (3) Shazib Iqbal
    M.Sc. Graduated, Department of sociology and Criminology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.

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06 Pages : 61-71

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2026(XI-I).06      10.31703/gssr.2026(XI-I).06      Published : Mar 2026

Holy Qur'an and International Relations

    The first state where the followers of all the religions were given equal rights was formed in 611 AD as per the guidelines of the Holy Qur’an through the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at Madina, mainly comprising Muslims, Kafars (Idol worshipers) and Jews with equal social and economic rights. It not only improved foreign and diplomatic relations. Groups were knitted so well through treaties that they even fought wars as allies, which not only further strengthened the state but also created a history of Universal Brotherhood and Leadership. People following various religions were harmonised through a model treaty called the ‘Charter of Madina’. Apart from its firm implementation, the success of the treaty was based on three main features, equality, justice and peace. Functioning of such a multi religious state on the basis of equality and peace needed, hence adoption of relevant Qur’anic rules proved worthy of their vision and strength.

    Qur’an, Peace, Equality, Foreign Relations, Functioning, Universal Brotherhood and State.
    (1) Hasan Yaser Malik
    Senior Research Fellow, Environ Monitor.

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17 Pages : 209-217

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-IV).17      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-IV).17      Published : Dec 2025

English as a Gatekeeper: Code-switching in Pakistan's Elite Schools

    This study investigates the role of English as a gatekeeper language and the phenomenon of code switching in elite schools in District Karak Pakistan. Through the qualitative methods, such as classroom observation, semi-structured interview with teachers and students, as well as analysis of documents, the research examines the functional role of the English language as a tool of academic and social distinction. The study shows that English proficiency is directly connected to academic success and the ability to earn a living in the future with English being the gateway for opportunities for success. Code-switching, the behavior of mixing different languages (Russian and English or Urdu language or regional languages). The results highlight the cross-cutting of language, socio-economic status and educational inequality and hint at the necessity of zeroing in inclusive language policies in elite schools so as to guarantee equitable access to academic success.

    English as a Gatekeeper, Code Switching, Socio-Economic Status, Elite Schools, Pakistan, Bilingual Educational, Language Practices, Educational Inequality, Multilingual Classrooms and Linguistic Capit
    (1) Zohaib Zahir
    Doctoral Researcher, Department of English, FATA University, Darra Adam Khel, FR Kohat, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Imran
    Lecturer, Department of English, FATA University Darra Adam Khel FR Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
    (3) Mohammad Wasimullah
    Lecturer, Department of English, Cadet College Razmak, KP, Pakistan.

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