The Social Construction of Gender Inequality in Central Malawi

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The social psychology literature is limited in its treatment of unequal gender relationships that develop within specific social contexts. Additionally, the institutional factors that may underlie and constrain interaction between men and women have often been ignored. This study critically looks at the routine, schema-driven behaviors that were brought to the central region of Malawi before Colonialism. It is argued these interactive social processes helped create and sustain an array of ritualized symbolic practices that have helped perpetuate the unequal access to resources for women. Employing a theoretically driven multi-method approach, this study utilized focus group sessions, in-depth interviews, content analysis of historical and contemporary literature, and participant observation. The results suggest various symbolic patterned behaviors of the women in the central region of Malawi have helped to reproduce and perpetuate gender inequalities.