Gender Norms, Socio-Organizational Ergonomics, and Female Labor Force Participation in South Asia

Authors

Huma Maqsood, Faculty of Social Sciences, SZABIST University - Islamabad, PakistanFollow
Nor Fatimah Che Sulaiman, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, University Malaysia Terengganu - Terengganu, MalaysiaFollow
Suriyani Muhamad, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, University Malaysia Terengganu - Terengganu, MalaysiaFollow
Nor Aizal Akmal Binti Rohaizad, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, University Malaysia Terengganu - Terengganu, MalaysiaFollow
Sana Mukhtar, Faculty of Social Sciences, SZABIST University - Islamabad, PakistanFollow

Abstract

Socio-organizational ergonomics encompasses workplace social and cultural factors that influence inclusion, performance, and well-being. Gender-based socio-organizational ergonomics has both microeconomic and macroeconomic implications. In this context, underutilization of women’s economic potential, evidenced by low female labor force participation, emerges as a critical factor that compromises sustainable growth in developing countries. To study the phenomenon, we examined the impact of gender norms on socio-organizational ergonomics and female labor force participation in South Asia. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 20 female participants are thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s TA framework. Our findings highlight that socio-organizational ergonomics in South Asia is deeply influenced by gender norms that manifest in the exploitation of female workers, stereotypes of female frailty, womanhood penalty, work-life conflict, and workplace policy abuse. The socio-culturally entrenched norms reinforce male dominance to limit the economic potential of women, negatively influencing the achievement of sustainable economic growth and development. Our findings signal the urgent need for targeted policies and practices that ensure a rewarding work and workplace experience for female workers. The findings have implications for policymakers, economists, development practitioners, and organizations committed to promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic frameworks in line with the 2030 Agenda.

Keywords

Agenda 2030, economic growth, female subordination, gender hierarchy, in-depth interviews, organizational culture, thematic analysis

Author Bio(s)

Huma Maqsood (ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5004-1351) brings along over 25 years of experience in academia. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics, an M.S. in Development Studies, and an M.A. in English Literature. Her research areas are Development Studies, Economics, Organizational Management, Environmental Sustainability, Gender, Psychology, Media, and Literature. She is passionate about social and economic equality and environmental preservation. Please direct correspondence to huma.maqsood@szabist-isb.edu.pk or p4570@pps.umt.edu.my

Nor Fatimah (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8323-6876) has done a Ph.D. in Economics. Her research interests are inclusive economic development in response to income distribution among B40, M40, and T20 income groups. This field of research requires a detailed understanding of human and community development. She has authored numerous journal publications indexed in SCOPUS and Web of Science, as well as a chapter in a book published by Emerald Publishing Limited. Besides, she has three research grants with a total amount of RM653,810 as principal investigator and co-researcher. Please direct correspondence to n.fatimah@umt.edu.my 

Suriyani Muhamad (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9928-8993) graduated from the University of Malaya (B.Econs.), M.Sc. (London School of Economics), and Ph.D. (University of Manchester). Her research area focuses on Economic Development. Her interests are health economics, labour, and gender. She is a Professor at the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Please direct correspondence to suriyani_md@umt.edu.my 

Nor Aizal Akmal Rohaizad (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3815-8060) completed her Ph.D. studies in the field of Educational Psychology at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Skudai, in 2015. She received her Master’s degree in the same field and from the same university in 2012. After graduating, she worked at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) as a Lecturer before moving to UMT. Her teaching expertise encompasses a wide range in the field of Psychology, including early childhood development (early childhood education), social psychology, and individual development in psychology, testing, and research in Psychology. Please direct correspondence to aizal@umt.edu.my 

Sana Mukhtar (ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1485-2939) is a Clinical Psychologist and Speech & Language Pathologist with 17 years of experience in industry and academia. She has done an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. Sana has contributed to several reputable international journals, with her research focusing on the psychosocial challenges faced by children, adults, vulnerable communities, and individuals, particularly those affected by substance abuse. Her work continues to address critical issues in mental health, with a strong emphasis on improving outcomes for marginalized populations. Please direct correspondence to sanamukhtar1@gmail.com or sana@szabist-isb.edu.pk

Acknowledgements

None

Publication Date

3-30-2026

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Recommended APA Citation

Maqsood, H., Sulaiman, N. F. C., Muhamad, S., Rohaizad, N. A. A. B., & Mukhtar, S. (2026). Gender norms, socio-organizational ergonomics, and female labor force participation in South Asia. The Qualitative Report, 31(3), 5526-5556. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2026.8089

ORCID ID

0000-0001-5004-1351

ResearcherID

0000-0001-5004-1351