The relationship of political interest and political participation of educated women in Pakistan : the moderating role of socio-cultural factors

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between political interest and political participation of educated women in Pakistan and the moderating role of socio-cultural factors. Specifically, this study aims to investigate the political participation of educated women in urban Pakistan, explore the association between their political interest and political participation, and examine the socio-cultural factors that moderate their political participation of women. A mixed methods approach was utilized, which included a survey from four universities with 400 students and 30 in-depth interviews with educated working women. The study merged rational choice theory and socio-cultural theory, to explain the relationship between the independent variable, political interest, the dependent variable, political participation, and moderating variables, such as conventional gender roles, patriarchy in politics and family, and gender socialization. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS for the survey and thematic analysis for the in-depth interviews. The study found that despite a 78.1% voter registration rate, only 13% participate in party membership, 18% in political demonstrations, and 17.1% in petition circulation, revealing lower political participation despite political interest. Rational choice theory attributes this to calculated decisions based on perceived costs and benefits in political activities. Security concerns among women in political demonstrations align with rational choice theory, emphasizing the consideration of potential risks and costs before participation. Educated women, despite cultural expectations, approach political engagement more strategically. The study challenges cultural theory by detailing the nuanced impact of factors such as education, economic independence, mobility, and rural/urban settings on women's political participation. The study confirms that the political system in Pakistan prefers male involvement, supporting cultural theory's idea that patriarchal norms shape societal structures. Women's experiences offer real-life examples supporting cultural theory's views on gender dynamics in politics.