GENDER DIFFERENCES AND ONLINE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study compares the political participation of males and females in Pakistan, both Active and Passive. The data were collected from 302 respondents (153 males and 149 females) using a quantitative method and analyzed using descriptive statistics and an independent-samples t-test. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between men and women in passive engagement (political news consumption); however, there remains a large difference in active engagement. Male users are more likely to engage in overt political activities, such as posting opinions, sharing content, and participating in discussions on political matters. By comparison, both sexes exhibit very weak institutional involvement, such as reaching out to elected officials. The study also shows that issues of safety and online harassment are major barriers to participation, with a negative impact on political expression. Results are discussed within the framework of the theories of Resource Theory (1995), Gender Role Theory (2012), and Social Capital Theory (1995), stressing the significance of social inequalities in terms of resources, social norms, and restricted civic networks. The study reveals that despite giving digital access to women, there are still structural and cultural hurdles that have an impact on the political participation of women in Pakistan.