SOCIO-ECONOMIC VARIABLES: MAIN CAUSE OF HORIZONTAL HOSTILITY AMONG WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Horizontal hostility describes belligerent conduct of women towards other women because of jealousy and resentment. Women are oppressed and discriminated in society as they are dominated by males. We aim to explore socio-economic variables, dimensions and outcomes of horizontal hostility among women entrepreneurs working in agriculture sector of Pakistan. These women belong to poor and less privileged class of society. For this study, qualitative research methodology is applied. Twenty semistructured interviews are conducted from women entrepreneurs raising livestock and working in agricultural fields. These interviews are recorded and transcribed. Data is analyzed through interpretive approach and themes regarding antecedents, dimensions and outcomes of horizontal hostility are explored. The findings shows gender inequality, lack of education and lack of income as the socio-economic factors that propagate hostile behaviors among women entrepreneurs. We recommend addressing gender inequality to uplift the status of rural women and to provide them autonomy and basic facilities of education, health and income.