Gender Inequality in Pakistan Causes and Consequences from Feminist and Anthropological Perspectives

Abstract

This thesis explores the causes and consequences of gender inequality in Pakistan. With a feminist and anthropological lens, it aims to look at the political, social, and economic struggles of women. The historical background of the current gap in gender equality will be explored. The cultural concept of patriarchy will be analysed in relation to different forms of violence against women, e.g., cultural, structural, and direct violence, but also social, political, and economic violence. In conclusion, the study suggests that patriarchal structures are the root cause for gender inequality and gender-based violence. Within the last part of the thesis, a solution space is opened, that introduces different approaches to diminish the struggles of women. The capability approach is proposed as an extended version of human rights that offers a powerful philosophical frame, however, its implementation in the reality displays limitations. Women’s activism (female agency) and education remains a key part in the fight for gender equality.