The concept of gender equality and family relationship: perspectives from selected neo-urban indian couples in bhopal, india

Abstract

This study explores how gender equality and family relationships are experienced and understood by selected neo-urban Indian couples residing in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal, a Tier 2 city, reflects a transitional social structure where traditional male-dominated norms coexist with emerging ideas of equality (Desai & Andrist, 2010; NFHS-5, 2021). The purpose of the research is to understand how couples manage their expectations, household responsibilities, and decision-making roles in a society where cultural and gender biases persist (Kabeer, 1999; Rajadhyaksha & Smita, 2004). The study adopts a qualitative approach, gathering data through in-depth interviews of fifteen married couples. Thematic analysis is used to extract key patterns and concerns from their narratives. Word cloud visualization is applied to highlight frequent terms used in the interviews, while sentiment analysis is conducted to detect emotional tones embedded in participants’ responses.

Findings suggest that while most women are financially independent, they continue to bear the majority of domestic work and emotional labor (Hochschild, 1989; Rani & Unni, 2004). Many husbands recognize the value of equal partnerships but still retain control over final decisions, especially related to finances, parenting, and external social interactions (Dyson & Moore, 1983; Rajadhyaksha & Smita, 2004). The study identifies recurring themes such as unequal freedom, cultural conformity, silent compromise, and limited shared decision-making (Sriram & Sandhu, 2013; Basu, 2008). Word frequency analysis supports these findings, revealing dominant terms such as "adjust," "manage," "respect," and "freedom." Sentiment analysis shows a higher proportion of negative or neutral emotional tone in female responses compared to males, who often express contentment or control.

This research offers practical implications for educators, policymakers, and family counselors working in semi-urban Indian settings. It presents a grounded understanding of lived experiences and the gaps between legal gender equality and practical realities. The originality of the study lies in its exclusive focus on neo-urban couples from Bhopal, representing an under-researched demographic, and in combining thematic, visual, and emotional analytics to study evolving family dynamics.