Sociological, Psychological and Economic Barriers to Women's Sports Participation in Punjab: A Comparative Study of the Majha and Doaba Regions

Abstract

Sports participation is a cornerstone of personal and social development, promoting physical health, psychological well-being, and social inclusion. However, women in Punjab, particularly in the Majha and Doaba regions, face multifaceted barriers that hinder their engagement in sports. This study investigates the sociological, psychological, and economic barriers impacting women's sports participation in these regions through a comparative cross-sectional research design.

A sample of 200 women aged 18-22 years (100 from each region) was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure diverse socio-economic representation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using ANOVA to identify significant differences between regions.

The findings reveal that while both regions face similar challenges, Doaba exhibited slightly higher levels of agreement with sociological and economic barriers, with Majha demonstrating marginally more psychological challenges. Economic barriers were the most significant across both regions, underscoring the need for targeted financial interventions.

The study recommends initiatives such as community awareness campaigns, psychological support programs, financial assistance, and infrastructure development. Policy advocacy focusing on reducing disparities and fostering inclusive sports environments is crucial to addressing these barriers. This research provides actionable insights for promoting gender equity in sports participation in Punjab.