Exploring Gender Socialization in Muslim Community of Gadhimai Municipality-6, Bara District Nepal

Abstract

Socialization process in Muslim communities is a dynamic negotiation between Islamic teachings and the local traditions which are influenced by modernization. This study explores the influence of religious beliefs, cultural practices, and modernization in the gender norms within Muslim communities residing in MahaGadhimai Municipality of Bara District. It explores how religious and cultural practices shape gender socialization, how family and community support gender role reinforcement, and how gender dynamics are changing. The study used qualitative approach and narrative inquiry method. Required information were generated through In-depth interviews (n=7) and focus group discussions (n=2) techniques. The narrative information were analyzed on the thematic basis and triangulated with structural functionalism, gender construction, and socialization theoretical perspectives. The results show that there are strong patriarchal norms that involved marginalization of women in the leadership of religion and socialization of boys to be leaders and girls to be homemakers. Nevertheless, progressive change is gradually taking place because of grassroots movements, economic factors and youth activism realized by women challenging the norms of discrimination and joining politics and schooling. The study also identifies conflicts between institutionalized patriarchy and emerging gender equality dynamics, further exacerbated by a generation gap and city-rural variations. The study concludes that gender socialization and gender construction can be speed up by specific interventions that include inclusive religious education, gender responsive policies, including leadership quotas and economic empowerment programs. Consequently, family, community, and municipal intervention is necessary to fill in the gap between the patriarchy and gender equity in transitional Muslim society in Nepalese context.