Educated Women’s Reproductive Decision-Making in Pakistan – A Standpoint Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the narratives of highly educated, working women in Pakistan regarding their reproductive choices, focusing on the power dynamics and institutional influences that shape the discourse around reproductive rights. The research draws inspiration from Michael Foucault’s emphasis on power hierarchies within familial institutions and Dorothy Smith’s standpoint theory. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with eight married women teachers aged 36–46, holding a PhD and master’s level of education at the International Islamic University. The qualitative case study, rooted in a postmodernist theoretical perspective, utilizes Foucauldian discourse analysis to uncover subtle ways power relations impact reproductive agency. The study also incorporates Dorothy Smith’s standpoint theory, highlighting the influence of social positions on women’s perspectives regarding reproductive rights. The findings reveal the complexities faced by educated women in Pakistan, as societal expectations and familial pressures shape their decisions regarding reproductive choices. Despite their knowledge and capabilities, participants grapple with subtle power dynamics, illustrating the need to navigate gender expectations within the socio-cultural context.