Patriarchal career constraints and mental well-being among rural young women: a scoping review of gendered barriers and psychological distress

Vollständiger Abstract

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Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between patriarchal career constraints and mental well-being among rural young women. It explores how gendered barriers related to family authority, restricted mobility, educational discontinuity, marriage expectations and limited employment exposure contribute to psychological distress and social exclusion. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a scoping review approach to map and synthesise literature on patriarchy, rural young women, career barriers, psychological distress and social inclusion. The review identifies recurring conceptual and thematic patterns across scholarship on gender norms, education, employment, family decision-making and mental well-being. Findings The review indicates that career constraints among rural young women are shaped by interrelated social and cultural mechanisms. Family control, safety concerns, restricted mobility, early marriage expectations, domestic responsibilities and limited access to career guidance reduce young women’s educational and employment agency. These constraints contribute to emotional distress by weakening autonomy, confidence, self-worth and future orientation. Originality/value This paper contributes to mental health and social inclusion scholarship by framing patriarchal career constraints as a psychosocial determinant of well-being. It argues that career restriction among rural young women should be understood not only as a gender inequality or employment issue but also as a mental health and social inclusion concern.