Parenthood; Islamic Teachings Vs Patriarchy’s Burden on Pakistani Women- A Case Study of Pakistan

Abstract

This study looks into the incongruity between Islamic teachings on equal parenting and the patriarchal attitudes that influence family structures in Pakistan. The research investigates this divergence, pointing out the effects of unequal parenting on the health of women, fathers' limited involvement in child-rearing, and the developmental outcomes of children. Objectives of the study are to find out the differences between Islamic standards of gender-sensitive parenting and the patriarchal practices typical of Pakistani society, to investigate the consequences of patriarchal fathering norms for women's well-being, to find out the specific roles of fathers in bringing up children within patriarchal and Islamic frameworks, and to figure out how the unequal parenting duties hinder children's growth. A sample of 50 male and female respondents was selected, representing a diverse cross-section of society. Analyses of the study outcomes indicate a tremendous difference between the religious principles and the social practices. Most of the respondents (mean score: 4.2, p = 0.001) agreed that while Islam encourages equal parenting, patriarchal norms have assigned the bulk of caregiving responsibilities to women. Only 20% of male respondents said they reported high involvement in their children's lives. Many of them cited cultural pressures as the main reason for their limited participation. Women in the sample have reported, in large, a significant difference in well-being (M = 3.1) mean than men (M = 4.2), they highlighted mainly symptoms of exhaustion, stress, and emotional burnout. The research found moderate positive correlations between the degree of father’s involvement in the parenting and the level of children’s emotional (r= 0.42) and cognitive (r = 0.38) development. Children whose fathers had been more around during caregiving demonstrated that they have more emotional security and better social skills, and academic performance, in accordance with the proposition that balanced parenting yields healthier developmental outcomes. The study supports public education campaigns, reminding of the fragile constructions of patriarchy and transforming the present-day views of gender from segregation and exclusion to a synthesis of the public and the personal.