Differences in Perception and Practices Among Unmarried and Married Men Regarding Women Empowerment in the Rural Areas of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction: This article explores the intricate dynamics of women empowerment in selected rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, India, where traditional gender norms and socioeconomic disparities persist. It investigates the perceptions and practices related to women's empowerment, taking into account the influence of tradition, modernity, socio-economic conditions, and regional variations. The aim is to provide insights that can inform context-specific interventions to promote rural women's empowerment. Methodology: The study employed an unmatched case and control design, categorizing married men as the case group and unmarried men as the comparator group. It was conducted in selected villages within the Nagrota Bagwan and Shahpur health blocks of Himachal Pradesh. The participants were selected using cluster sampling technique. The total sample size of 268 males (134 in each group) was determined with an 80% study power and a 5% level of significance, using EpiInfo (7.2.3.1) software. Results: The study analysed the socio-demographic profiles, education status, occupation, and socioeconomic status of both groups. It found significant differences in family type, caste, and religion among married and unmarried men. Education levels and occupations also displayed significant differences between the two groups. The participants' knowledge about women's empowerment revealed that both married and unmarried men supported women's education and work opportunities. Notably, a higher proportion of married men believed that women should share their earnings among family, partner, and themselves. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for an awareness approach to reinforce existing knowledge and address specific gaps among both married and unmarried men in Himachal Pradesh.