Social and Cultural Determinants of Women’s Financial Independence in Pakistan

Abstract

The empowerment of women is empowered by their financial ability, but in Pakistan, this is influenced by norms and values of families and communities. This study examined how social and cultural factors affect women's financial independence based on their daily experiences of employment opportunities, household expectations, cultural restrictions, education access and financial decision-making. A qualitative phenomenological design was used. The subjects were recruited by purposive sampling of 25 women aged 22-50 years and having different marital status, educational level and employment status (employed, self-employed and homemaker) from both urban and semi-urban areas. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted in Urda and English, and audio-recorded with consent, to collect data. Interpretative thematic analysis was used, guided by the six phases of Braun and Clarke, and reflexive notes were kept throughout to ensure anonymity was achieved, using coded identifiers. Five themes emerged from the illustrative findings: patriarchal expectations, family support, mobility restrictions, access to employment, and control over personal earnings. Financial independence was a negotiated rather than an achieved process; family was a key enabler but patriarchal norms, limited mobility and gendered labor markets were important constraints. Even amongst those who had income, women were often giving it up. The results indicated that there is a need to not only educate women, but to also tackle household and community norms to achieve financial independence for women.