Evolving Gender Dynamics: Insights from Pakistani Professional Couples

Sadaf  Awan; Raja Muhammad  Shoaib; Ra'ana Malik

doi:10.32350/sri.11.04

Sadaf Awan Department of Gender Studies University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan
Raja Muhammad Shoaib Free Lancer/Blogger/Research Writer https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3047-7646
Ra'ana Malik Department of Gender Studies University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan

Keywords: changing gender roles, coping strategies, dual careers, gender socialization, inequality, professional couples, societal reactions, work-life balance

Abstract

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The present study aims to investigate the evolving gender roles of professional couples, examining the unequal division of labor, men’s attitudes toward changing gender roles, and societal reactions. Participants in the present study were recruited through purposive sampling, including, four women lecturers from the University of the Punjab Lahore New Campus and their spouses, three lecturers were recruited from Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, along with their husbands, and three lecturers from the University of Management and Technology Lahore, along with their husbands. All the couples had the same working hours, and were interviewed individually. Thematic analysis of participants' narratives revealed dual impacts of changing gender roles, both positive and negative. In addition, this paper also highlights the coping strategies employed by professional women such as balancing roles, finding financial independence empowering, stress-reducing tactics, and effective time management. Changes in gender roles of professional couples benefit husbands more as they are supported both morally and financially by their spouses. On the contrary, a professional woman faces tough times as she takes on multiple roles and contends with an unequal division of labor. This study has implications for balancing gender roles for sociologists and psychologists; these changing gender roles should foster freedom among professional couples in Pakistani society.

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Author Biographies

Sadaf Awan, Department of Gender Studies University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan

Sadaf Awan, a seasoned academic with over a decade of experience in gender studies, has served as a research fellow at Arizona State University, USA. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Malaya, Malaysia, her scholarly pursuits focus on gender studies and masculinities. As a dedicated lecturer at the Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, she continues to contribute significantly to the academic discourse in these fields.

Raja Muhammad Shoaib, Free Lancer/Blogger/Research Writer

Raja Muhammad Shoaib, an M.Phil in Sociology, is a versatile author with a publication on gender and social capital in a Y category Journal. As a freelance writer, blogger, and research consultant, his expertise lies in the realm of men and masculinities. Beyond academia, Shoaib passionately shares his research insights through his YouTube channel, contributing valuable perspectives to a broader audience.

Ra'ana Malik, Department of Gender Studies University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan

Prof Dr. Ra'ana Malik recently as Chairperson at Department of Gender Studies University of the Punjab, Lahore, is an accomplished academician with a wealth of experience in gender studies and education. Holding an M.A. in Educational Research and pursuing a Ph.D. at the Institute of Education and Research, Punjab University, her research centers on gender differences in academic achievement and personality development.

With an impressive publication record, Ra'ana's commitment to advancing women's issues is evident in her extensive research projects, including a comprehensive analysis of gender portrayal in primary school textbooks and studies on women-related theses at the Punjab University.

As a resource person, Prof Dr.Ra'ana Malik has played a vital role in various gender sensitization workshops and training sessions, contributing significantly to women's empowerment. Her academic journey also encompasses roles as a lecturer and research associate, where she has made significant contributions to curriculum development and research in gender studies and education.

Prof Dr.Ra'ana Malik's proficiency in Urdu, Punjabi, and English, coupled with her dedication to promoting gender sensitivity, positions her as a valuable academic and contributor to the field of women's studies.

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