Superstition, Gender, and Socio Economic Determinants: A Mixed Methods Study in Rural Sindh, Pakistan
Keywords:
superstition, gender, education, socioeconomic factors, rural Sindh, mixed methods, psychological distress, development barriersAbstract
Superstition defined as beliefs or practices that lack scientific justification has been historically linked to psychological attempts to reduce uncertainty and anxiety. While often regarded as a rural or uneducated phenomenon, contemporary research indicates its persistence across all social strata, with potential negative impacts on mental health, decision-making, and socioeconomic development. This mixed‑methods study investigates the prevalence, gender differences, and socio‑economic determinants of superstition among rural residents of Taluka Mehrabpur, District Naushehro Feroze, Sindh, Pakistan. Using Nominal Group Technique (NGT, n = 13) to identify local superstitious beliefs followed by a structured survey (n = 200, 50% female), we assessed superstition level via a validated 39‑item Likert scale. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Results show that 65% of respondents held a high level of superstition, with females significantly more superstitious than males (β = 0.144, p < 0.05). Formal education (β = –0.306, p < 0.05) and family income (β = –0.255, p < 0.05) were the strongest negative predictors, whereas religious education (β = 0.243, p < 0.05), living in homogenous communities (β = 0.303, p < 0.05), joint family structure (β = 0.117, p < 0.05), and inherited property (β = –0.142, p < 0.05) significantly increased superstitious beliefs. The study concludes that superstition in rural Sindh is deeply embedded in socio‑cultural and economic contexts, acting as a potential barrier to rational decision-making and community development. Interventions should focus on enhancing formal education, economic empowerment, and culturally sensitive awareness programmes, particularly targeting women and closed community networks.
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