Social Exclusion Experiences among Rural Elderly Women in Sargodha: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to explain the social exclusion experiences among rural elderly women in Sargodha, reasons behind their exclusion and its impact on their lives. Social exclusion involves being disconnected from physical, financial, and social aspects of life. Rural elderly women face higher risks due to factors like gender, age, poverty, and cultural traditions. The study used qualitative research, employing purposive sampling, and collected data through an interview guide with 26 rural elderly women till data saturation. Major themes derived through thematic analysis are Social Exclusion Experiences of Rural Elderly Women, Causative Factors behind Social Exclusion of Rural Elderly Women and Repercussions of Social Exclusion among Rural Elderly Women. It concluded that poverty, social dependency on family and cultural norms contribute to social exclusion among rural elderly women. It is recommended that establishing community care institutions addressing their healthcare facilities, social life and transportation can solve issue of social exclusion.