The Exchange-Marriage System, Traditional Gender Roles And Obscured Transformations In A Community Of Pakistan: The Interplay Between Structure, Agency And Social Change

Abstract

This article deals with the traditional and changing gender roles and relationships in the exchange-marriage system that exists in south Punjab, Pakistan. It examines the structural roles and an individual’s independent choices. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-four families who have utilized the system of exchange. In this research the guidelines of the Grounded Theory Method (GTM) in order to collect and analyse the data. The study found that pre-determined, structured roles were more influential and they retain more importance than the individual’s choices. It revealed a perpetual tension between structural forces and an individual agency: an emancipated individual tries to assert and wants to exercise her/his choice but finds that the structural pressures are powerful. Some contention grows between the structural agents and the individual agency for the freeing of the individual’s emancipated role. This paper analyses the interplay between the structure and the agency. It also analyses the tensions and the process of slight social change that occurs under given social conditions.

Cross Cultural Translation and Validation of the Investment Model Scale for Married Adults of Pakistan

“…Participants living in the nuclear family system scored higher on relationship satisfaction and commitment level whereas those living in the joint family system scored higher on the quality of alternatives. In collectivist societies, relationships are bound to be influenced by social and situational constraints, gender roles, as well as the current social context of a couple's life (VanderDrift et al, 2013;Zaman & Shehzad, 2018). Current study findings are in line with the study of Ayub et al (2022) as they concluded that men are more satisfied in a relationship than their female counterparts but when it comes to bonding and emotional connection with partners, women scored slightly better than their spouses.…”

“…Current study findings are in line with the study of Ayub et al (2022) as they concluded that men are more satisfied in a relationship than their female counterparts but when it comes to bonding and emotional connection with partners, women scored slightly better than their spouses. Moreover, based on cultural inhibition and societal pressure women do not consider any available alternative of relationships whereas men are always considered to be the one attracted towards better option in relationship that is also instigated by religious and cultural acceptance of more female partners as male (Aman et al, 2019;Hayee & Kamal, 2022;Zaman & Shehzad, 2018). This supports the cultural notion that irrespective of whatever people are facing in a relationship they will ultimately report it to be satisfying as the social disapproval of ending such a relationship is higher (Bilal & Rasool, 2020;Qadir et al, 2013).…”

“…This mere longevity of a relationship is not that simple, therefore the shift has been seen from investigating just satisfaction and well-being of partners to determinants such as love, affection, emotional support, financial support, as well as overall satisfaction (Rusbult et al, 1998). Many researchers (Arif & Fatima, 2015;Qadir et al, 2013;Zaman & Shehzad, 2018) have investigated the underlying reason for intact marriage institute in Pakistan, even though the reason for its dissolution seems apparent.…”

Gender Differentials In Educated People’s Perceptions Regarding Anti Women Social Practices In Pakistan

“…This type of marriages is used to control and maintain a balance of power between families and the couples (Naveed & Butt, 2015: 167). The men's behaviour is conditioned through good or abusive treatment extended to his blood relative bride involved in exchange and living in other party's home (Jacoby & Mansuri, 2010, 1806Zaman 2013;Zaman, Zakar, & Sharif 2014). Therefore, it is considered as a double edged sword that cuts both ways (Bhutta et al 2015: 167;Jacoby & Mansuri, 2010, 1813.…”

The Transformation of the Dilemma of Role Exchange in the Household: Analyzed Gender in Family Resilience Discourse in National Law and Islamic Law

“…It is in Pakistan's South Punjab that traditional gender roles and relations have changed in the marriage system, which has changed roles. Predefined, structured roles are more influential and essential than individual choices (Zaman et al, 2013;Thakur, 2019).…”