Conservative versus Diplomatic Beliefs about Male-Female Responsibilities in University Teachers and association with Wellbeing

Abstract

Pakistan has a patriarchal culture with majority people having beliefs which promote conservative responsibilities in males and females. However, research shows that diplomatic beliefs about male-female responsibilities are an important predictor for an individual’s wellbeing. The diplomatic beliefs of university teachers are important as teachers have a role in influencing the beliefs and mind-set of youth. This research aims to investigate the relationship between types of beliefs (conservative versus diplomatic) about male-female responsibilities and wellbeing in university teachers of Punjab. A group of 173 university teachers were surveyed from different universities in Punjab, using a quantitative research design. It was found that when conservative beliefs about male-female responsibilities is high, wellbeing is low (p<0.01); and when diplomatic beliefs about male-female responsibilities is high wellbeing is also high (p<0.01). The following groups have more diplomatic beliefs about male-female responsibilities: (i) females, (ii) single people, (iii) people living in joint families, (iv) those from lower wealth backgrounds, and (v) those living in rural areas. Based on study findings we recommend two broad policies to improve diplomatic beliefs on a whole for Pakistani society, and specifically for university faculty.