Patriarchy and Sociological Model of Voting Behaviour (SMVB): Analysis of Female Voting Preferences in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

This study intends to underpin the presence of strong foundation of ‘Sociological Model of Voting Behaviour’ (SMVB) in female voters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It hypothesizes that Patriarchal structure is a basic element to influence female voting preferences. It connects ‘Patriarchy’ with ‘Sociological Model of Voting Behaviour’. The study found that the Patriarchal structure of the family in the Pakhtuns dominated society in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is significantly involved in determining female voting preferences. There are some other socio-political and economic components that supplement patriarchy and dependency of the female voters on male family members. A mixed-method approach was adopted for data collection. Quantitative data was collected through closed-ended questionnaires from Northern, Central and Southern constituencies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Interviews were also conducted from female respondents in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.