A sociological study of feminism and women empowerment in Karnataka

Abstract

This study investigates feminism and women empowerment in Karnataka through a sociological framework, emphasizing both empirical data and theoretical perspectives. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions to capture the multi-dimensional realities of women’s lives. A stratified random sampling technique is employed to ensure representation across rural–urban divides, caste groups, and socio-economic classes. Quantitative data focuses on literacy rates, labor force participation, political involvement, and access to health and education, while qualitative narratives explore perceptions of gender roles, challenges of patriarchy, and aspirations for equality. Secondary sources, including government reports, census data, and scholarly works, provide contextual support and enable comparative analysis. Data analysis involves statistical techniques for quantitative findings and thematic coding for qualitative insights. The study reveals significant progress in education and political participation of women in Karnataka, alongside persisting challenges such as wage gaps, gender-based violence, and limited decision-making power in households.
The research concludes that empowerment is a social process shaped by feminist movements, state policies, and grassroots initiatives, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive, gender-inclusive strategies to achieve holistic development.