IJMRR - International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews
Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Rev.
DOI Prefix: 10.56815
I J M R R
Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Rev.

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews

Peer Reviewed | UGC Compliant | High Impact Factor | Scientific Journal

ISSN: 2945-3135 | High Scientific Impact | UGC-CARE Followed
IJMRR - International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews

DOI DOI Prefix: 10.56815
Vol. 3 (2024) No. 4: Winter Issue (October - December) (2024)

Votes Without Voice: Patriarchal Mediation of Rural Women’s Electoral Choices in India

Osman Ali

The fundamental principle of democracy depends on citizens exercising their voting rights as equal and free individuals. Rural India exists as a site where the democratic voting rights of citizens encounter substantial challenges to become a reality. The voting process for rural Indian women becomes subject to household and community oversight instead of personal belief because patriarchal authority restricts their electoral choices. The research investigates how patriarchal structures affect the voting decisions of rural Indian women. The analysis examines how kinship ties and caste systems, and class positions work together to restrict women's political decision-making power,    through secondary data from the Census of India and Election Commission reports and CSDS survey findings. The research demonstrates that Indian democracy faces a fundamental contradiction because women participate in elections in increasing numbers but still lack the freedom to make their own voting choices. The analysis demonstrates through statistical data and visual representations that women participate in high numbers at the polls, yet they face ongoing restrictions in their voting independence. The elimination of patriarchal control over voting ballots stands pivotal for attaining both gender equality and authentic democratic practices in India.

Keywords:
Patriarchy Rural Women Voting Behaviour India Democracy Gender