Women's participation in public sphere: implications for political empowerment

Abstract

This research will focus participation of women in politics of public sphere. According to Kocan, public sphere has different meanings. It can refer to a ‘relationship’ on one hand and a general ‘idea’ on the other; relationship as politically or socially constructed by people, and idea referring towards things integrated into political concepts, social practices and historical institutions (Kocan, 2008). Kocan suggests public sphere has hidden assumptions which are vital for understanding the society, both politically and socially. So, these assumptions are a key to understanding the complex processes of society which make up the structure (public sphere) as a whole. Different theorists describe and explain public sphere in diverse fashion depending upon their epistemological positions. The core area of concern in my research will be political participation of women in public sphere and the essentiality of political empowerment in public sphere particularly at the grassroots level. My study will be able to determine whether women’s participation is essential in politics of public sphere and what are the major obstacles for women in order to effectively engage themselves in the politics of public sphere.