GENDER ROLES AND DOMESTIC RESPONSIBILITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FEMININE AND FUNCTIONAL FAMILIES IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

This study explores the distribution of domestic responsibilities and its relationship with family structure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), focusing on feminine and functional families. The sample comprised 100 married women from diverse educational, occupational, and socio-economic backgrounds, with a near-equal representation from rural and urban areas. The study aimed to examine how family type influences the division of domestic duties and the involvement of husbands and wives in household tasks. Findings indicate that in feminine families, traditional gender roles prevail, with the wife assuming the primary responsibility for domestic chores. In contrast, functional families display a more balanced distribution of responsibilities, though the wife remains the central figure in most cases. A significant difference in the division of domestic duties between family types was found, suggesting that family structure plays a key role in shaping gender roles within the home. This research highlights the persistence of traditional gender norms in domestic labor, even as some families adopt more equitable approaches. The study contributes to understanding how family dynamics and socio-cultural factors influence gender equality and domestic responsibility in the region. Further research is needed to explore the impact of these dynamics on the psychological well-being of family members.