Impact of Income and Education on Socio-Political Values of Women: An Empirical Study of Pakistani Working Women

Abstract

A significant number of studies indicate that economic prosperity promotes higher values such as democracy, equality and freedom of choice. Pakistan has witnessed a considerable increase in the size of the middle class contributing to the increased participation of women in the labour force. This increase may translate into higher values among working women across income classes. This article draws on structured interviews ( n = 350) with working women in the metropolis Lahore to investigate the extent their socioeconomic status is linked with self-expressive values. By using the ordinal logit model, this paper observes that significant differences exist in women’s perceptions and values across income and education groups. This study confirms that women with higher income and education levels are more independent in their choices. They exercise more authority in their personal and public life. Results also confirm their considerable interest in the democratization process and diminishing involvement in religious practices relative to middle- and lower-income and education groups. JEL Classification: A13, F63 Z13, C30