Author Identifier

Safia Iftikhar: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4997-305X

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

School

School of Arts and Humanities

First Supervisor

Vicki Banham

Second Supervisor

Elizabeth Reid Boyd

Third Supervisor

Peter Shajimon

Abstract

Patriarchy is a pervasive reality that exists in the personal, societal, and political realms of life, universally. The question is not what should be done about it, but to explore how patriarchy is deeply entrenched in the basic and fundamental abode of human interaction, exploring how within family and marriage, power imbalances are created that benefit individuals adhering to patriarchal norms, whereas resisting, confronting, or challenging these values disqualify individuals for social and cultural rewards. This study examines the intricacies, variation, diversity of worldviews, experiences and practices surrounding the concept of patriarchy by presenting one group of married Pakistani women’s opinions and lived experiences, through in-depth qualitative interviews. The aims of this study are to explore, within this group of married Pakistani women’s experiences, perspectives, and worldviews about familial patriarchy, give agency to unheard voices, represent cultural narrative of gender roles both in Pakistani and Australian context, critically analyse any change or continuity in paternalistic dominance in interaction with a diverse Australian society, and investigate women’s own role in recreating patriarchal familial and marital structures. Drawing on multiple feminist and cultural theories, the thesis describes the phenomenon of Familial Patriarchy (FP) among one group of married Pakistani women in Western Australia. The study is based on the phenomenological approach, in which the method emphasises that individuals derive meaning and understanding from their lived experiences. In this context, the researcher and participants collaboratively create these meanings. The study presents a systematic literature review and a narrative literature review, focussing on familial patriarchy in the Pakistani context to provide a context for the study and for the development of the research questions.

Twenty-one interviews were conducted. After transcription, coding, and thematic analysis of data, five major themes were identified. These themes included 1) thick representations of women’s experiences, and perspectives about familial patriarchy and any changes, transformation and reorientation of cultural approaches, practices and values over time, 2) continuity in fundamental ii patriarchal values, and practices,3) the role of women in recreating patriarchal structures and norms, 4) cultural interpretation of patriarchal violence types, meaning of control, coercion and causes, 5) and women’s reflection on their experiences in the Pakistani cultural context.

The findings reveal several policy recommendations, including the need to understand immigrant women’s limited agency due to cultural and structural challenges, the need to emphasise the cultural contexts of performing gender roles, the need to intervene where cultural ways are used to control, coerce and abuse women, the need to facilitate integration of immigrant women in Australian society, the need to ease immigration, procedural and legal processes to increase participation in the Australian workforce, and the need to consolidate inter-ethnic relationships in a diverse Australian society. The findings also suggest the traditional masculine traits that justify violence against women should be transformed through educational and community awareness reforms. It is anticipated that the research with this group of married Pakistani women in Western Australia will advance current understandings of how patriarchy is deeply entrenched in married Pakistani women’s cultural field, and how policy and practices applied to Pakistani women can be adapted to meet their needs.

Access Note

Access to this thesis is embargoed until 4th November 2030

DOI

10.25958/f0tg-j570

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Available for download on Monday, November 04, 2030

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