Effect of societal culture on women empowerment in the Panchayati Raj system in India

Abstract

This case study focuses on assessing the impact of societal cultures on women's empowerment within the Panchayati system in India, particularly in the Khanpur Kalan and Ganwari villages of Sonipat district, Haryana. Employing a qualitative approach with openended interviews, the research explores the cultural factors influencing gender treatment in both the Panchayat and village contexts. Thematic content analysis, guided by Hofstede’s Dimensions Theory of Culture and Kabeer’s Instrumental Model, identifies four main themes: Cultural factors in the Panchayat system, Cultural factors in the village, Village empowerment determinants, and Council empowerment determinants. The study reveals a dominance of masculine cultures, emphasizing gender roles. Despite women having access to resources, findings indicate insufficient empowerment, with low agency and achievement status. Informal cultures within Panchayats and villages significantly impact women's participation and efficiency in the studied region.