EFFECT OF PRIVATE PATRIARCHY ON SPATIAL MOBILITY IN URBAN WOMEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

Abstract

It is generally assumed that urban women, who are enrolled in higher educational institutes or working in paid jobs outside the home, do not face challenges from private patriarchy, and instead have full control of their mobility and decision-making. However, this is not true. This study aims to understand the experiences of urban women university students and teachers, and if private patriarchy influences their spatial mobility. Restricted spatial mobility in women impacts not just the opportunities available to them with regards education and employment, but also negatively influences women’s ability to seek healthcare and leisure. A survey was developed by the researchers and convenience sampling was used during the COVID-19 lockdown to sample 200 women. Multiple linear regression results revealed that private patriarchy emerged as a significant negative predictor of spatial mobility (R2= F (1,198) =60.06, p<.001). Furthermore, women belonging to families with lower household income face greater barriers to spatial mobility. The study implies need for social interventions and safety laws to support spatial mobility in urban women, who are working and studying in higher education, and other women groups who may be completely restricted to the homes. This is important not just for education and employment, but for the overall capacity building of women and their capability to move freely in society without barriers and fear.