Gender as Related to Political Behaviour among Muslims of Uttar Pradesh

In the present paper the authors attempt to find out the political participation of Muslim Women vis-à-vis Muslim Men in the state of Uttar Pradesh and juxtaposed with the quantum of rights given to each, and the resultant position in the present scenario. A field study was conducted with a sample of 1200 Muslims drawn from across the state of U.P. The role of gender was analysed with various dimensions of political behaviour. The authors found a persistent pattern of male / female difference in political activity. Owing partially to unequal socio-economic resources available to them, their indifference to politics and their psychologically non-involvement. The psychological involvement of women in politics is minimal. The concerned for politics among women is not converted into political activity. In spite of all the rights and injunctions, when it comes to politics and political participation among Muslims, the women folks are made to play second fiddle.