Investigating the Association between Education and Observance of Purdah in Pakhtun Society: Linking Marital Status at Multivariate Level

Abstract

Aim of the study: The study was designed to explore the perceptions of different stakeholders regarding the impact of education on the observance of Purdah concerning modernization.

Methodology: To examine the phenomena, the survey methodology was used for the investigation. The quantitative data was obtained through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire from different sampled groups i.e. intellectuals, lawyers, politicians, community leaders, and literary persons. Besides, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The association between independent and dependent variables was measured through Chi-square, whereas multivariate analysis was employed.

Findings: The overall findings signposted a non-significant and positive relationship between increased schooling breaking down traditional values and norms, including family values, and change in observance of Purdah. Besides, a significant and positive relationship was identified between education as one of the important indicators of modernization in Pakhtun society and the dependent variable. Similarly, the relationship between modernization leads to the emergence of different types of education systems in Pakistan, and the observance of Purdah was noticed as significant and positive. The overall test statistics of the multivariate analysis revealed a highly significant, positive, and non-spurious relationship.

Conclusion: The study concludes that although education has an impact on the practice of Purdah, however, there is no role for marital status concerning the pace of change.