Women and Family Conflicts in Rural Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Women have historically played a significant role in contributing to the peace and security of society. However, in certain instances, they can become a source of familial and communal conflicts, particularly at the micro level. These conflicts vary in intensity, ranging from minor tensions to outright violent aggression. In the rural areas of Pakhtun culture, a segment of the population has grappled with such conflicts for an extended period. This research examined the role of in-laws in the emergence of family conflicts in the rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study adopted a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data. These data sets were collected, organized, and analyzed independently before being integrated using Creswell's (2014) concurrent strategy, employing a side-by-side comparison. Quantitative information was obtained from a sample of 354 women through simple random sampling. Additionally, 25 in-depth interviews were conducted under the qualitative method, utilizing purposive sampling. The findings revealed that family conflicts were often triggered by the conduct of female in-laws, encompassing mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Jealousy, envy, and backbiting were identified as key reasons for conflicts involving female in-laws. Moreover, these conflicts were linked to factors such as illiteracy, lack of awareness, and inadequate socialization. To mitigate conflict-oriented behavior within families, the study recommends implementing measures such as quality education, effective family policies, and awareness programs focused on conflict management.