The sociology study of female participation in decision making process in various family matters in selected urban areas in Faisalabad district [Pakistan]

The objective of the present study is to look into the role of women in decision-making process specifically focus on type and extent of various matters in which women participate. Relationship of various socio-economic factors and level of satisfaction of women towards their role in decision- making process and give suggestions. The present study was undertaken in five colonies of district Faisalabad. A sample of 120 married women was randomly selected. An interviewing, schedule consisting of various questions was prepared and were filled by personal interviews with the respondents. Chi-square test was applied to ascertain the relationship between dependent and independent variables. 50% of the respondents got married at the age of 14 to 18 years, 5083% had exogamy marriage, 67.50% were living in nuclear families. Frequency distribution by caste of the respondents in descending order was about 40% other (Mughal, Malik and Sheikh), 26% Jatt and 13% Gujjar. Annual income from all sources was more than Rs. 70,000/- in respect of 26.67% and Rs. 71,000/- to 1,20,000/- in respect of about 41.66% respondentþs families. 31% respondents and 10% husbands of the respondents were illiterate. 37.5% of the respondentþs husbands in the sample area were businessman. It was concluded that 69.16% of the respondents were housewives. It was found there was greater involvement (58.33%) of the respondents in decision-making regarding childrenþs education and 91.67% were consulted by their husbands in decision-making regarding childrenþs marriage. 81.67% were satisfied their status as a housewives to great extent and 57.5% were thinking that their husbands should help in household chore. It was concluded that majority 62.5% of the respondents in the sample area were satisfied with the behavior of their husbands. For third hypothesis in order to check the association between the age of respondents and their participation in decision-making for family affairs. The value of the chi-square at 0.05 level of significant revealed that these tow variables were not associated. So the hypothesis is rejected. There was no impact of type of marriage (Endogamy and Exogamy) on respondentþs participation in decision- making for family affairs. So our hypothesis is rejected. Analysis of data showed that the independent variable such as age, education, caste and family type of the respondents had no significant association with the decision- making process in family making process. It is suggested that women rights in family need protection. In order to increase the income of the family, females should earnestly participate in domestic/crafts skills. As this give them confidence and courage. Their earnings enhance their participation in decision-making for family affairs.