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Exploring the Role of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Gendered Social Exclusion: Empirical Evidence from Older Adults in Pakistan

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Abstract

Beyond the concerns associated with marginalised groups’ underrepresentation, we posited that socio-demographic aspects and associated stigma provoke gendered social exclusion among older adults. Although these linkages have been frequently acknowledged, concrete evidence remains complicated. In a sample of 384 older adults from various administrative zones of the Lahore metropolitan, we examined that gendered social exclusion is typically connected with socio-demographic stereotypes. Statistics revealed that 72.3% of older adults reported social exclusion. Homemakers and non-workers were more prone to experience social exclusion than employed respondents. Findings further discovered that the social exclusion rates were more significant among older women (93.1%) than older men (47.5%). Among older women, those involved in some employment, having a personal income, living in higher-income households and joint families with their children or peers, and having access to a private car were less possibly socially excluded. The substantial gender aspect of social exclusion appears to be provoked by a gender-based socio-cultural context, limiting older women’s participation in daily socio-economic pursuits. Finally, possible consequences of increased social exclusion among older women and strategies to cater to this emerging issue are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia

    Muhammad Ahmad Al-Rashid

  2. Graduate School of Urban Innovation, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, 240-8501, Japan

    Muhammad Nadeem

  3. Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100, Enna, Italy

    Tiziana Campisi

  4. Department of CS and IT, Mirpur University of Science and Technology, Mirpur, 10250, Pakistan

    Iftikhar Ahmad

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  1. Muhammad Ahmad Al-Rashid
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Al-Rashid, M.A., Nadeem, M., Campisi, T. et al. Exploring the Role of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Gendered Social Exclusion: Empirical Evidence from Older Adults in Pakistan. Soc Indic Res 169, 847–862 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-023-03184-9

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