Effect of societal culture on women empowerment in the Panchayati Raj system in India
Date
2024
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Tartu Ülikool
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.