Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

Inheritance is the primary mechanism that regulates the intergenerational transference of financial assets and property. Ownership and control of inherited property and assets can lead to economic, social, political and psychological prosperity of women. However, in Punjab’s context the female share of inheritance is often denied and in many cases women surrender by choice. The cases of denial and surrender persist despite 2011’s criminal law amendment that renders denial of female as a criminal offense. The present study is an effort to understand this phenomenon. It analyzes the cultural narratives that legitimize denial and promote surrender as an honorable choice. Simultaneously, the study investigates the institutional and structural barriers that prevent women from making a successful claim. Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur districts were selected as research sites. The study is ontologically grounded in interpretivist paradigm and epistemologically situated in social constructionist philosophy. The three tier sample of the study was selected through purposive sampling technique. Forty female participants, ten revenue officers, and ten legal and women rights experts were recruited for this study. Three types of in-depth interview guides were developed to collect the data. The study results revealed that customs and culture mediate denial and surrender. Even though inheritance is transferred to women more often following the 2011 amendment, still most women cannot access or control their inheritance. Similarly, discrepancies within the LRMIS and NADRA system and tediously slow judicial processes further exacerbate the situation. It is suggested that a deconstruction of cultural narratives, creation of transparency within the digital record systems, and sensitization of police officers, revenue department staff and judges can improve the situation. Similarly, increasing the number of female employees in these departments is equally important. Keywords: Women, Inheritance, Punjab, Institutional mechanism, Perceptions.

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