Daraz U, Khan Y, Alnajdawi AM, Alsawalqa RO. Empowering hearts and shaping destinies: unveiling the profound influence of education on women's mate selection in Pakistan - a comprehensive mixed-methods study.
FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023;
8:1273297. [PMID:
38178875 PMCID:
PMC10764409 DOI:
10.3389/fsoc.2023.1273297]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of education on women's empowerment in the realm of mate selection within Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Employing a mixed-method research approach, the study conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with educated women and distributed a Likert Scale questionnaire to 500 women. The qualitative findings reveals that education significantly influences women's perspectives, guiding their priorities, and instilling a desire for compatibility and shared values in their relationships. Educated women also display resilience, confidence, and a readiness to challenge prevailing societal norms and gender stereotypes when selecting a life partner. Quantitative analysis establishes a statistically significant positive correlation between education and women's empowerment in mate selection. These findings underscore the pivotal role of education in enhancing women's agency and autonomy in a critical aspect of their lives. The study's implications extend to policy recommendations advocating for increased access to quality education and the implementation of gender-sensitive curricula in Malakand Division and analogous regions. Recognizing education's potential to empower women in mate selection is vital for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.
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