Navigating Patriarchal Norms: A Study on the Political Participation and Representation of Married Women in Chennai's Local Governance

Abstract

The participation of women in political spheres, particularly at local governance levels, is a critical factor in advancing gender equality and promoting inclusive decision-making. However, patriarchal norms continue to pose significant barriers to women's political involvement, particularly for married women, who often face additional societal expectations and constraints. This study explores the political participation and representation of married women in Chennai's local governance, aiming to uncover the socio-cultural dynamics that shape their involvement and to understand the extent to which patriarchal structures influence their political agency.

The research studies both formal and informal factors that affect the political engagement of married women. It takes into account legislative frameworks, including the reservation of seats for women in local governance as mandated by India's Constitution (73rd and 74th Amendments), and the socio-cultural norms that often hinder their active participation. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collection through surveys with married women in local governance roles with qualitative interviews to gain deeper insights into their lived experiences. Furthermore, the study explores the inter-sectionalist of caste, class, and religion, examining how these factors compound the barriers that married women face in political engagement. Preliminary findings indicate that despite the constitutional mandate for women's representation in local governance, patriarchal norms deeply rooted in family and community structures continue to constrain the political participation of married women. Many face opposition from family members, particularly spouses, and are often expected to prioritize domestic responsibilities over political careers. Additionally, there is evidence of systemic bias within political institutions, where male counterparts often undermine or marginalize the voices of married women leaders. Cultural expectations surrounding gender roles also discourage women from pursuing active political participation, as they are often perceived as less capable of handling governance responsibilities compared to men.