Women's Lived Experiences in Exogamous Marriages within Syed and Non-Syed Communities

Abstract

Inter-caste marriages, particularly those involving the Syed and non-Syed communities in Punjab, Pakistan, offer a unique lens through which to investigate the links between gender, religion, and caste. The Syed community, claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad, holds a significant religious and social status within Islamic societies, including Pakistan. This status often influences social interactions and marriage practices, leading to complex dynamics when it intersects with non-Syed communities. This research aims to explore   the lived experiences of women in inter-caste marriages between Syed and non-Syed individuals in Punjab, Pakistan. By examining their personal narratives, the study seeks to understand how these women negotiate their identities and familial relationships amidst the intersecting pressures of gender, caste, and religion. The focus on real-life experiences provides a nuanced understanding of the cultural and familial dynamics at play, contributing to the broader discourse on social stratification and gender in South Asia. The conclusion of this study illustrate the complex intersections of gender, caste, religion, and class that shape challenges and opportunities faced by women in these marriages. The respondent's Syed identity, which confers significant religious and social status, creates unique expectations and pressures regarding her marriage and family life. As a woman, she navigates additional gendered expectations and limitations imposed by her family and community. Despite the initial resistance from her family, the respondent was able to assert her agency and make the choice to marry her non-Syed husband, whom she loves. The study's further recommends inclusion and promoting intersectional awareness and sensitivity, strengthening legal and institutional protections, empowering women through education and economic opportunities, engaging with religious and community leaders, and fostering intergenerational dialogue and change. These conclusion give to the growing amount of literature on women intersecting experiences in inter-caste marriages, with implications for policymakers, community leaders, and social service providers striving to give these women with surrounding that are more welcoming and encouraging.

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