EFFECT OF SOCIO-CULTURAL BARRIERS ON WOMEN'S CAREER ADVANCEMENT IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AT SCHOOL LEVEL IN PUNJAB

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of socio-cultural barriers on women's career advancement in leadership positions at the school level in Punjab. Despite growing awareness of gender equity in education, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. The research highlights how deeply rooted societal norms, cultural expectations, gender stereotypes, and traditional family roles restrict women's professional growth. It explores the influence of community attitudes, religious perceptions, and resistance to female authority within educational institutions. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, the study gathers insights from female administrators, revealing how socio-cultural factors undermine confidence, limit opportunities, and reinforce male dominance in decision-making roles. The findings stress the urgent need for policy reforms, awareness campaigns, and institutional support to challenge these barriers and promote inclusive leadership in Punjab's school system.