Culture and mental health of women in South-East Asia.

TLDR

Gender discrimination, patriarchal dependence, and social pressures in South Asia undermine women's empowerment and mental health. The article reviews how cultural factors affect the mental health of South Asian women. The authors conduct a literature review of cultural influences on South Asian women's mental health.

Abstract

This article reviews the impact of cultural factors on mental health of South Asian women. Marked gender discrimination in South Asia has led to second class status of women in society. Their mobility, work, self-esteem and self-image, in fact their worth and identity, seem to depend upon the male members of a patriarchal society. Women's lack of empowerment and both financial and emotional dependence have restricted their self-expression and choices in life. This, along with family, social and work pressures, has a definite impact on women's mental health.