REPRODUCTION OF GENDER INEQUALITY IN FAMILY DISCOURSE: A CASE STUDY OF RURAL AREAS OF DISTRICT JAHLIM, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This paper disclose gender inequality regarding family discourse and practices in Jhelum, Pakistan. Mainly, the study aims to explore several practices at the household level where women are maltreated. In rural areas of the country, gender inequality is pervasive because, in these settings, social organization is based on a flawed cultural system. Gender inequality is characterized in various social and economic affairs in which women are being deprived of access, control, and administration. Although, in the last few years, different governments have introduced reforms and laws regarding gender equality, which allows women to hold all rights equal to men. Still, the results of these reforms are very minimal in rural areas. The ethnography approach was used for the detailed and accurate data. The study's finding revealed that the males generates their power through different elements like decision making and holding property or assets in family. This study strongly endorses dialectical communication among women and men to lower symbolic power and violence practices. Also advocate gender equality in all family practices, decision-making, socialization, religious obligations, health and food patterns, or education. Effective implementation of governmental laws helps lower the symbolic power of men and reduces symbolic violence.