Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2023

Date of Submission

2023-08-24

Advisor

Dr. Ayesha Zia, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences

Committee

Dr. Saima Bint-e- Saif, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Abstract

The present qualitative study aimed to investigate the significance of friendships and how they affect the mental “well-being” of married women in Karachi, Pakistan. The study attempted to delve deeply into the complex but fascinating dynamics of friendships post-marriage. This required comprehending the interactions between women's friendships and married life that can restrict their friendships owing to socio-cultural issues, including gender roles and societal expectations and norms. Additionally, this study investigated the significance and meaning of mental "well-being". The data analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews via thematic analysis resulted in the emergence of seven main themes, under which came several sub-themes that highlighted the perspectives of married women in Karachi, Pakistan. These themes included: meaning of friendship, qualities of friendship, significance of friendship, understanding of friendship post-marriage, significance and meaning of mental "well-being", impact of friendships on mental "well-being", and socio-cultural factors and friendships. The results showed that married women shed light on the critical function of friendships as emotional support, coping mechanisms, and factors in mental well-being. The results highlighted that friendships help married women overcome obstacles and cultivate emotional fortitude. The study also highlighted the conflicts between prevailing societal expectations and changing roles post-marriage by illuminating the intricate interplay between socio-cultural factors and friendships. This research was conducted to present a Pakistani perspective relating to the perception and understanding of friendship within the lives of married women in Karachi, Pakistan. There was a lack of studies on this topic in the South Asian context; thus, the current study hopes to contribute to the South Asian literature on friendships and well-being.

Pages

75

Download

The full text of this document is only accessible to authorized users.

Share

COinS