Sociology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14540/37

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    Social Capital and Performance of Cooperatives in Kathmandu
    (2025) Dhakal, Ishwar; Surendra Mishra
    This study examines the role of social capital in the success of savings and credit cooperatives in Nepal, focusing on four case studies: Thankot Mahila, Samudayik, Aayam, and Chandragiri cooperatives. Despite their growing importance in financial inclusion, many cooperatives struggle with governance inefficiencies, gender disparities, and financial sustainability. This research addresses a critical gap by analyzing how trust, networks, reciprocity, and shared norms contribute to cooperative performance while highlighting persistent challenges in equitable representation. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study combines financial data analysis (2079-2081), unstructured interviews with 16 stakeholders including board of members, managers, and members, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with 16 members. Thematic analysis and comparative financial metrics reveal key insights: (1) Cooperatives with balanced gender representation (e.g., Samudayik) achieve stronger financial outcomes (54% capital growth) than male-dominated models; (2) Externally networked cooperatives demonstrate greater resilience than locally insular ones; and (3) Institutionalized social capital—particularly transparent governance and member participation—correlates with long-term member loyalty (average 12 years). This study demonstrates that social capital serves as the bedrock of cooperative success, operating through four interconnected mechanisms that distinguish member driven finance from conventional banking models. Trust, institutionalized through transparent policies and long-term member relationships, reduces transaction costs and fosters financial resilience—evident in cooperatives like Samudayik, where high trust correlates with 54% capital growth. Networks determine institutional adaptability; externally connected cooperatives access bridging capital for innovation, while locally embedded models like Thankot Mahila excel in bonding capital for targeted inclusion. Crucially, reciprocity transforms financial transactions into mutual commitments. The save-to-borrow systems observed across cases create inter generational solidarity, ensuring sustainability. Keywords: Social capital, cooperatives, gender governance, financial inclusion.
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    Livelihood Diversification and Poverty Reduction in Panchkhal Municipality, Kavre
    (2025) Adhikari, Amit; Tikaram Gautam
    This study explores the relationship between livelihood diversification and poverty reduction in Panchkhal Municipality, Kavre, with a focus on how households adapt to changing socio-economic conditions by engaging in multiple livelihood strategies. Livelihood diversification is defined as the process by which rural families construct a diverse portfolio of activities and social support capabilities in order to survive and to improve their standards of living. Livelihood diversification, the process of engaging in varied income-generating activities, has increasingly become survival strategy for rural and semi-urban households in Nepal. As traditional subsistence farming proves inadequate to meet growing needs, diversification into non-farm, off-farm, and service-oriented occupations is becoming more prominent. This study explores the key livelihood diversification strategies employed by households, and captures how these shifts are associated with poverty reduction. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative surveys of 101 households and qualitative interviews with nine respondents consisting of local residents, cooperative members, and key informants. The research employed purposive sampling to ensure inclusion of households with varied economic backgrounds and experiences in diversification. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, thematically, and field-based interpretation. This explored how households diversify their income sources through agriculture, business, employment, and remittances. Findings highlight the crucial role of diversified livelihoods in enhancing economic stability, improving living standards, and providing better access to education and healthcare. Findings show that households in Panchkhal have increasingly moved beyond traditional farming to embrace activities such as vegetable farming, animal husbandry, small-scale trade, foreign employment, and engagement in cooperatives and small businesses. Access to credit, local market integration, and skill development programs were found to be enabling factors. However, challenges such as lack of capital, inadequate skills, small market size, and limited access to technology continue to hinder broader diversification. By using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Chi-square test and ANOVA, the study concludes that livelihood diversification has played a significant role in reducing household poverty by increasing income stability, improving access to education and health services, and enhancing food security. Nevertheless, its success depends on structural support, access to resources, and institutional linkages. Despite significant challenges such as lack of capital, skills, and access to financial services, the community demonstrates resilience and adaptability. Family and community support, including financial assistance and knowledge sharing, significantly contribute to these efforts. The study underscores the importance of social capital, consistent with Bourdieu's theory, in facilitating livelihood diversification. Respondents' future plans indicate a proactive approach to ensuring long-term economic stability through business expansion, agricultural mechanization, and investment in income-generating activities. The research concludes that addressing the challenges through improved access to finance, training, and infrastructure is essential for supporting households in their diversification efforts. This research contributes to understanding how localized strategies can foster economic resilience, and highlights the need for targeted interventions in training, financial access, and market development to further enhance the livelihood prospects of semi-urban communities in Nepal. Key Words: livelihood diversification, livelihood strategies, social capital, poverty
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    Discourse analysis on social inclusion narratives in nepal's Bureaucracy
    (2025) Mijar, Madhu; Pasang Sherpa
    This study explores the narratives surrounding social inclusion within Nepal's bureaucracy through a critical discourse analysis (CDA) framework, drawing on the theories of Michel Foucault, Norman Fairclough, and Teun A. van Dijk. The primary aim of this study was to examine how policy and legal frameworks influenced social inclusion practices within Nepal's bureaucratic structures. By analyzing official discourse, this research investigated how bureaucratic actors construct and interpret social inclusion policies and their implications for marginalized groups in Nepal, including women, ethnic minorities, and lower-caste communities. The study has applied the theory developed by Foucault who has focused on the ideas of power, knowledge, governmentality, and how social inclusion is constructed and regulated within state institutions. Foucault's notion of “regimes of practice” was useful in analyzing how bureaucratic actors internalize and reproduce certain discourses around social inclusion. Another theory developed by Fairclough who has discussed critical discourse analysis approach, focusing on how language constructs power relations and ideologies within institutional settings. Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework (text, discursive practice, and social practice) has helped to examine both the text of policy documents and the broader social practices that influence inclusion. Also van Dijk’s model of discourse as a representation of social cognition has been applied to understand the role of narratives in shaping public opinion and attitudes toward social inclusion, as well as how power and ideology are embedded in those narratives. Thus, utilizing Foucault's concepts of power and knowledge and governmentality, Fairclough’s three-dimensional approach to discourse, and van Dijk’s theory of ideological discourse, this study critically examined the role of discourse in shaping and reproducing power relations within bureaucratic settings. The analysis highlighted how bureaucratic actors, such as civil servants and policymakers, both reflect and challenge prevailing social hierarchies in their interpretations of inclusion policies. Additionally, the study delved into the influence of power dynamics within the bureaucracy, exploring how these dynamics impacted the development and implementation of social inclusion policies, as well as the broader societal implications of such policies. The findings emphasized the complex interplay between policy narratives and bureaucratic practice, demonstrating that social inclusion policies were not merely topdown directives but were continuously reshaped through discursive practices that both reproduced and contested the status-quo. By providing a nuanced understanding of the discourse surrounding social inclusion, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how power, ideology, and governance intersect within Nepal’s bureaucratic systems, with significant implications for policy development and social justice. Given the strong theoretical and methodological foundation, the study has made an important contribution to both critical discourse analysis and social inclusion studies in the context of Nepal's bureaucracy.
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    Class dynamics of consumerism in Balaju, Kathmandu
    (2025) Shrestha, Bimal Babu; Tikaram Gautam
    This study fundamentally deals with the class dynamics of consumerism I n Kathmandu, particularly in Balaju. More specifically, this study explores the patterns of consumer behavior across various social groups and based on which how class disparities and hierarchies are created and class identity is formed. On that note, this study explores the intersection of consumer behavior, class identity, and social hierarchies in contemporary society, focusing on how consumption patterns are shaped by economic constraints, social pressures, and the desire for social mobility. By using qualitative in-depth interview of twenty respondent altogether, selected purposively from various social class, and using unstructured interview schedule and participant observation method for more than one year, this study endeavors to explore patterns of consumer behavior across different social classes in Balaju and spending patterns and consumer choices influence class disparities and also explains the ways consumer practices and preferences influence existing class identities and social hierarchies The key findings reveal a distinction between inspirational consumption, driven by the desire to project a higher social status, and instinctive consumption, which prioritizes immediate practical needs. The research highlights how economic factors influence consumption, with lower-income individuals focusing on essentials and higher income groups indulging in non-essential purchases, reinforcing class divisions. Digital platforms, including e-commerce and social media, play a significant role in shaping consumption behaviors by providing access to goods and services while also creating new forms of social validation through trends and influencer endorsements. The study also examines how social perceptions impact class identity, with middle class individuals striving to emulate upper-class ideals despite financial strain. The rise of digital consumption, marked by a preference for convenience over cost, further underscores the evolving nature of consumer behavior in urban environments. Ultimately, this research underscores the powerful role of consumption in reinforcing social hierarchies and highlights the tension between social aspirations and economic realities. Key Words: Consumer behavior, class identity, social hierarchy, disparities
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    Challenges Faced by Children of Musahar Community in Education due to Social Exclusion of Family in Parsa District, Nepal
    (2025) Khadka, Rajan Kumar; Bindu Pokhrel
    This study explores the challenges faced by children of Musahar community in education due to social exclusion of family in Parsagadhi Municipality-1, Badaruwa, Parsa District, Nepal. The Musahar, one of the most marginalized Dalit groups, face systemic socio-economic barriers, including extreme poverty, landlessness, child labor, and caste-based discrimination, which significantly hinder their children's access to education. Despite various government policies promoting inclusive education, Musahar children continue to experience high dropout rates due to financial hardships, lack of parental literacy, and societal biases. Using a qualitative research approach, the study employs Semi Structure interviews, Key Informant Interview and focus group discussions to examine the relationship between social exclusion and educational disparities. The findings indicate that economic deprivation forces many Musahar children into labor, limiting their participation in schooling. Gender disparities further exacerbate educational exclusion, with girls facing early marriage and domestic responsibilities. The study highlights that exclusion is not merely a financial issue but an institutional challenge rooted in systemic inequalities. Addressing these barriers requires targeted interventions such as need-based scholarships, parental literacy programs, improved school infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of inclusive education policies. The research provides insights for policymakers, educators, and social organizations working toward reducing educational inequalities. By fostering community participation and implementing inclusive strategies, Nepal can bridge the educational gap and enhance social mobility among marginalized communities.
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    DigitalDividesandEconomicEmpowerment:MobilePhoneUsageamong RuralWomenin Sindhupalchowk,Nepal
    (2025) Peng, Zhao Zi; KeshabSilwal
    Available in fulltext
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    Migrating aspirations ; subjectivity shaped by a Family's Move
    (2025) Bhattarai, Bishnu Maya; Dinesh Prasain
    This thesis explores the transformation of subjectivity within a migrating family from rural Okhaldhunga to urban Kathmandu through an autoethnographic lens informed by practice theory and Bourdieu’s conceptual triad of capital, habitus, and field. Drawing from personal narrative, family history, and theoretical inquiry, the study interrogates how economic, social, cultural, and symbolic capitals are reshaped across spatio–temporal transitions. It pays particular attention to intergenerational differences, educational trajectories, and the everyday practices that mediate the rural-urban shift in identity. The analysis reveals that migration not only repositions individuals within new social hierarchies but also transforms embodied dispositions — what Bourdieu terms habitus — into dynamic, adaptable forms responsive to shifting fields. While the older generation bore the impact of structural exclusion from education, the younger generation, including the author, emerged as agents of self-fashioning, negotiating the tensions between rural heritage and urban aspirations. Education, in this context, functions as both a site of constraint and possibility, where subjectivity is contested and reimagined. The study contributes to broader debates in migration studies and practice theory by demonstrating how lived experience complicates and expands existing understandings of habitus and agency. Through an embodied narrative grounded in Nepali socio-political history, this study situates the personal within the political, offering insights into the intimate effects of structural change and the recursive relationship between mobility and identity.
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    Gender differences in the utilization of senior citizen's allowance in Khaptad Chhedeaha rural municipality word no- 3 Bajura
    (2025) Budha, Dhan Bahadur; Pasang Sherpa
    This abstract of the dissertation illustrates how the entire study has been conducted. This dissertation is a sociological study of elderly people in Bajura. The main objective of the study is to analyze and explicate the gender differences in utilization of senior citizen’s allowance in a comprehensive way. However, specific objectives of the study are to describe the utilization of senior citizen’s allowances by male and female senior citizen; to examine the social and cultural factors contributing to the gender difference in utilization of senior citizen’s allowance; and to analyze the influence of family structure in the decision-making process regarding utilization of senior citizen allowance. In the study, in order to analyze and inter operate the meaning, empowerment and social security theories are used and analyzed interrelation between theory and practices and tried to find out the gap in the practice level comparing and contrasting the practice. In the study, policies and empirical studies have been critically analyzed and interpreted. In this study description research design has been used. Primary data such as interview schedule, case study, unstructured interview and observation have been used as the dominant data collection tools and techniques in the study. The findings reveal that while both genders value the allowance, men are more likely to retain control over their spending, whereas women often share or surrender their benefits to household members. Structural barriers such as mobility limitations, literacy, and traditional gender roles further influence the autonomy and decision-making power of elderly women regarding financial resources. The study highlights the need for more gender-sensitive policy implementation and awareness programs to ensure equitable access and use of social security benefits among senior citizens. It also recommends community-level interventions to empower elderly women in managing their entitlements independently and with dignity.
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    Religion madarsha and access to education among muslim girls: a study from Kapilvastu municipality
    (2023) Khan, Najia; Tika Ram Gautam
    Not available
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    Social structure legal provisions and divorce practices in nepal
    (2025) Ghimire, Sabina; Tika Ram Gautam
    Not available
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    Influence of remittance on education and health in receiving households ; A case of Devghat rural municipality, Tanahun
    (2025) Bhattarai, Nirmala Kumari; Pramod Bhatta
    The trends of foreign migration for better lifestyle and its influence on health and education growing rapidly in the context of Nepal. Among 34 household of Devghat Rural Municipality ward no 5 shows that most of the people seeking foreign employment (54.3%) are from the age group of 26-35 years and the migration is dominated by male (91.2%). The country with the highest number of foreign employees was Malaysia (29.4%) followed by the United Arab Emirates (11.7%) and Saudi Arabia (11.8%). The availability of healthcare and education was greatly influenced by the flow of the remittances. The proportion of the children going private schools increases from 53.3% to 56.7%, after family started to receive foreign income. However, the number of children attending government school decreased significantly from 40% to 36.7%. Similarly, the approach of private hospital over government hospital for better health care facility grew from 21.2% to 33.3%, suggesting the foreign income improved seeking practice of better health care services. The significant changes in the reliance on private hospitals for improved medical care facility and access to the better-quality education contributed by the remittance-based development. The male employee earned more than 60,000 Nepalese rupees on average, while the female employee made less. However, the female migrants tend to find better or even higher paying positions in skilled area of the job market. Despite the benefits of foreign employment, there is a gender gap in migration, the cultural and career obstacles which prevents the women from participating. The migration policy needs to enhance safer foreign migration and need to provide women to the job areas equally. For the long term sustainable economic stability, the banking company should also promote the productive uses of remittance over basic consumption of needs and luxury. There is a notable difference between productive and nonproductive spending, according to the examination of remittance utilization. A resounding 68.63% of remittances are spent on consumptive activities, despite 31.37% going toward constructive sectors including savings, buying land, and education. In contrast to being carefully invested for long-term economic growth, remittances are increasingly being used to address immediate household necessities.
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    Women's participation in microfinance and its impact on Household decision making and asset accessibility in nepal
    (2025) Karki, Binu; Tika Ram Gautam
    This study investigates the engagement of women in microfinance and its impact on livelihood enhancement in Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu. Microfinance has emerged as a critical tool for financial inclusion, particularly for women in developing economies. The research employs a qualitative approach, qualitative interviews to explore the socioeconomic, sociological factors influencing women's participation in microfinance. 15 women from 3 Microfinances were selected conveniently to collect the information from semi structured and unstructured questions. Key findings indicate that access to microfinance services empowers women economically by enabling them to start or expand small businesses, contribute to household income, and improve their overall quality of life. Challenges such as limited financial literacy, social norms, and access barriers are identified as barriers to women's full participation. Policy implications suggest enhancing financial literacy programs, promoting gender-sensitive financial products, and fostering supportive environments to maximize the benefits of women's engagement in microfinance for livelihood enhancement. The changes on women‘s livelihood enhancement on decision making (DM) through the Engagement in microfinance is positively satisfactory. The study reveals that women involved in microfinance programs experience increased financial independence, which leads to a stronger voice in both family and community matters. This empowerment contributes to better resource allocation within households and improves overall well-being. The relationship between decision making (DM) and ownership of assets (OA) of women through the Engagement in microfinance is perfectly positive.
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    Urbanization and Social Cohesion in Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan District
    (2025) Sapkota, Janak; Tika Ram Gautam
    This study explores the relationship between urbanization and social cohesion in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, which is currently experiencing rapid demographic shifts and extensive infrastructural expansion. As cities grow, they undergo significant social transformations that impact community structures, interpersonal relationships, and trust among residents. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering inclusive and sustainable urban development. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the effects of urbanization on key social cohesion indicators, including trust, participation, mutual tolerance, and social networks. By employing a concurrent mixed-methods approach, this study integrates both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to provide a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon. The research employs a structured household survey and key informant interviews to collect data, ensuring a holistic understanding of how urbanization influences social cohesion. A sample size of 269 households was determined using Cochran’s formula to guarantee a broad representation across gender, age, and socio-economic groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical tools to identify patterns and trends, while qualitative insights were derived through thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including social leaders, policymakers, and residents. The study explores the extent to which urbanization fosters economic development and infrastructure improvements while simultaneously eroding traditional social bonds and widening disparities in community engagement.The findings indicate that while urbanization has led to better infrastructure, increased economic opportunities, and modernized living conditions, it has also contributed to the weakening of traditional social ties, reduced community participation, and heightened socio-economic inequalities. The study highlights that newer urban settlements exhibit lower levels of trust and engagement compared to older, more established communities, where social networks remain relatively intact. The increasing diversity of the population, driven by migration, has further complicated the cohesion of urban communities, leading to fragmented social interactions and a diminished sense of collective identity.
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    Culture personal choices and child marriage in Tamang community
    (2025) Lama, Raj Kumar; Tika Ram Gautam
    Child marriage has become a serious issue, particularly in developing countries as well as in Nepal. Child marriage has caused several social issues such as poverty, and health-related issues and it has also interrupted the advancement of individual and society as a whole. The main objective of this qualitative research work is to explore the underlying causes and consequences of child marriage among the Tamang community with special reference to Dupcheswhor Rural Municipality, where Tamang ethnic people have a majority of the population. The researcher has assessed how the culture, personal choices and child marriage among the Tamang community have interlinked and influenced each other. The findings suggest that poverty, social norms and values, and educational factors influence the prevalence of child marriage among the Tamang community. The study also elaborates that the Tamang community is reluctant to adopt the current educational system, and hence, there is a high prevalence of school dropouts. The study also shows that such a school dropout trend is highly responsible for the prevalence of child marriage in the Tamang community. Studies found that those who drop out of school at early ages were found b married at their early age. Therefore, the study suggests further research work on why school dropout prevails in the Tamang community. Keywords: Culture, personal choice and child marriage
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    Balancing work and life ; Household work, professional career and problems of employed women in Kathmandu
    (2025) Rawat, Geeta; Tika Ram Gautam
    This study focuses on married women's work-life balance in Kathmandu, Nepal, and how the gendered division of domestic work impacts their work-life. The support for this study arises from the fact that, in the past decades, a larger number of women have been coming to work due to factors like increased educational attainment, globalization, gender equality movements, and dual incomes. Despite times changing, there are still some traditional gender roles in which women do all the domestic work. This gender difference significantly affects their job chances, well-being, and satisfaction at work. A qualitative-descriptive design composed the core of the study, alongside applications of the narrative and exploratory methods, and in-depth interviews of 20 married women and case studies of five married women aged 20 to 45 years from mixed professional backgrounds. The findings reveal that the gendered division of household labor creates a double load for women, leaving them with little time available for personal well-being or career growth. Despite their active involvement in professional careers, women are still largely tasked with domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, childcare, and care for elderly. In order to meet their professional and domestic commitments, women adopt varied strategies, including hiring household help, calling upon extended family members, or seeking flexibility from their employers in modifying work schedules. However, the research points out the significant challenges, including physical exhaustion, mental stress, and barriers to career development due to the competing demands of work and family. Societal norms and cultural expectations often discourage men from sharing domestic responsibilities equally, further exacerbating the imbalance. Despite these challenges, the study identifies coping mechanisms, such as prioritizing tasks, delegation of work, and adjusting schedules. The importance of shared domestic responsibilities, particularly with supportive family members, is emphasized as essential to the promotion of work-life balance and job satisfaction. The findings highlight the need for both organizational and societal systemic reforms. On the societal level, shifting traditional gender roles and promoting shared domestic responsibilities are crucial. Athe organizational level, implementing policies such as flexible working hours, remote work options(teleworking), and parental leave can significantly support women to achieve an improved work-life balance. Keywords: Work-life balance, Household work, Professional career, balancing strategies, Challenges of women, Gender roles t
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    Exploring domestic violence and cooping strategies among Married women in Tadi Rural Municipality
    (2025) Pyakurel, Sanju; Guman Singh Khatri
    Not available
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    Institutional Structures and Satisfaction among Employee in Academia: A Case Study of Role of State and Market in Kathmandu Valley
    (2025) Koirala, Bodhraj; Surendra Mishra
    The study “Institutional Structures and Satisfaction among Employee in Academia: A Case Study of Role of State and Market in Kathmandu Valley” is afocus on theoretical concept and perspectives of job satisfaction among employee in academic. The research problem of the study is theoretical identification of motivating factors,state and market shaping job satisfaction. Therefore, to meet this objective, mostlymix method data were used. Primary data were collected through social survey, indepthinter view, and case studies. Sample size of the study was 60 which were selected through sampling process.This study examines the influence of state policies and market forces on academic employment structures and job satisfaction in Kathmandu Valley. Drawing insights from 60 academic employees and support staff across government and private institutions, the research highlights key challenges such as job insecurity, excessive workload, and gender disparities.While government institutions offer stability, bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder career growth, whereas private institutions provide financial incentives at the cost of employment security. Market-driven competition has improved academic quality but also intensified job instability, particularly for contractual employees. The factors of state and market shaping employees in the academic field of Kathmandu University include policy regulations, funding availability, and market- driven competition.Employees in the academic field of Kathmandu University perceive job satisfaction through academic freedom, institutional support, and career growth opportunities. State policies and market opportunities influence employees by determining job security, salary scales, and professional development prospects in Kathmandu University. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms that promote long-term contracts, performance-based incentives, and equitable labor practices. Strengthening institutional frameworks to support both faculty and support staff can foster a more sustainable and satisfying academic work environment. This study highlights the structural challenges faced by academic employees and support staff in Kathmandu Valley.While government institutions provide job security, they suffer from bureaucratic inefficiencies, whereas private institutions offer better financial incentives but create job insecurity.