PATRIARCHAL MENTALITY: A STUDY OF DISTRICT SWAT

Abstract

This research study deals with the negative consequences of patriarchal social structure in district Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. The main objective of this research paper is to find out the potentials associated with a patriarchal society. The research paradigm which is used in this study is interpretivism, and the research was carried out on qualitative research methodology. The researcher used qualitative research methodology in order to find out the negative and harmful consequences of patriarchal social structure i.e. gender based violence and discrimination, inequality in resource distribution, ignorance in decision – making process of the household, and lack of basic education of women. Patriarchy is not only a structure of society which affects the lives of women but it is also a belief system which gives authority to men which affects social development and prosperity of women. The data was collected from both genders (mostly from women) regarding patriarchy. The data collection tools used in this research were in-depth interviews, and observation. The collected data was then analyzed through thematic analysis and finally, the conclusion which has drawn from the analysis and interpretation of data states that patriarchal social structure is responsible for gender-based violence, gender discrimination and inequality and domestic violence. The prevailing social set up (Patriarchy) affects the lives of all women across the world, but after reaching to the conclusion of this research, the researcher pointed out that in swat society male domination is really a barrier block to the development and prosperity of women.