BARRIERS, BURDENS, AND BELONGING: A SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY INTO THE EXCLUSION OF WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES IN KOHAT DIVISION, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA-PAKISTAN

Abstract

The present study investigates how the level of participation (independent variable) influences the extent of social exclusion experienced by women with disabilities (dependent variable) in the Kohat Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A Quantitative Inquiry based on a Cross-Sectional Survey design was employed, and a proportionate stratified sample of 370 respondents was collected from the three districts of the Kohat division. In order to maintain methodological integrity, the researcher collaborated with district-level Social Welfare Offices for participant verification and classification. Trained facilitators were also engaged during interviews with respondents experiencing auditory, verbal, or stature-related impairments to ensure accurate interpretation of questions and responses. The research concentrated on women with physical, auditory, verbal, and stature-related disabilities, while individuals with cognitive or intellectual impairments were excluded due to concerns about response validity. The reliability of the instrument was assessed through Cronbach’s Alpha, producing a coefficient of 0.87, indicating high internal consistency across the measurement items. To examine the association between participation and exclusion, Chi-Square (χ²) Statistics were applied, while Kendall’s Tau-b (T^b)Test was used to determine whether relationships remained spurious or non-spurious when multivariate controls were introduced. The statistical results demonstrated a significant relationship between the level of participation and social exclusion among women with disabilities (χ² = 50.702, p = 0.000; T^b = 0.370). Additional analyses conducted across age and educational categories revealed that the association persisted, confirming that the relationship remained statistically significant rather than disappearing under controlled conditions. Although education moderated the strength of the relationship, it did not eliminate it, establishing a non-spurious association, whereby limited participation continues to predict exclusion, regardless of schooling. Findings further revealed that restricted participation intensifies exclusionary experiences by limiting access to decision-making, physical mobility, and community-based interaction. Interpreted within a rights-based disability perspective, these results affirm that exclusion is not a natural consequence of impairment but is generated by social, attitudinal, and environmental barriers. The study recommends enhanced participation opportunities, accessible environments, and inclusive community initiatives as key approaches to reducing exclusion and promoting social integration for women with disabilities in the region.