Exploring Men’s Perceptions of Women’s Role in Agriculture: A Qualitative Study of Union Council 79, Multan

Abstract

In the patriarchal society of Pakistan, women are viewed as inferior to men. This gender prejudice is also evident in the agriculture industry. This study intends to investigate men's perceptions of women's role in agriculture-related activities. Utilizing a qualitative study design, the researcher conducted six focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews with the men in Multan district, Punjab, thematic analysis was performed on the data in order to deeply comprehend the phenomenon.  The bulk of the male population partially recognises women's contributions in the agriculture sector, the study revealed. Most of the population believed that poverty is the primary reason why women work in agriculture. In men’s views, women are weaker than men and, as a result, unable to conduct agriculture-related activities, particularly the activities requiring extra force. Their attitude was strongly patriarchal in that they viewed women as unpaid or low-paid workers. The vast majority of the population recognises that their contribution is of crucial importance to food security. It can be concluded that the majority of male members view women as lesser and weaker workers than males. Men's sexist attitudes toward women demonstrate the urgent need to confront patriarchal society, which not only hinders women's development in the agriculture industry but also affects their productivity and food security.