The Role of Socio-Economic Factors in Determining the Women Bargaining Power in Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose:In recent times, women’s status has been upgraded through an increase in socio-economic factors, which had implications in determining their bargaining power. The bargaining process produces household decisions which usually consist of unequal bargaining power. This study investigating the socio-economic factors through which female education and income change their bargaining power at the household. Design/Methodology/Approach:For this purpose, a primary survey through a questionnaire has administered in different areas of Punjab, Pakistan. We have collected the data 200 working married women OLS ordinary least square model has been applied to estimate our results. Findings:The result of the study shows that the socio-economic factors has significant and positive role in determining the women bargaining power within and outside the household. Higher income and education not only enhance their bargaining power in decision-making within and outside the household but also increase the status of women in society. Implications/Originality/Value:Oursociety needs to change their prospective towards women by removing these obstacles and giving them freedom of voice and choice, so they can lead their life according to their will. Changing such social norms through education will create better position for women in the household as well in society.

Keywords

• Socio-Economic
• Bargaining power
• Decision making
• Social values
• Women’s education