Gender and Locus of Control in the Socio-Cultural Context of Dumka District

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between locus of control (LoC) and gender among youth aged 22–36 years in Dumka District, Jharkhand, India, a region characterized by its significant tribal population and unique socio-cultural dynamics. Utilizing an adapted version of Rotter’s Internal-External Locus of Control Scale tailored for the Indian context, the research examines how gender shapes internal and external LoC orientations, emphasizing the influence of cultural and socio-demographic factors such as area of residence (rural vs. urban) and educational attainment. Data were collected from 140 respondents (74 males, 68 females) through self-administered questionnaires in English and Hindi, ensuring accessibility across diverse educational backgrounds. Statistical analyses, including independent samples t-tests and three-way ANOVA, revealed significant gender differences in LoC. Males exhibited a stronger internal LoC (M=78.5, SD=12.3) compared to females (M=72.1, SD=11.8), with a significant gender-residence interaction indicating that rural males displayed higher internal LoC than their urban counterparts, while female scores remained consistent across settings. These findings align with global research suggesting that patriarchal norms grant males greater agency, fostering internal control beliefs, while females, constrained by systemic barriers, lean toward external LoC. In Dumka’s tribal context, females scored higher on the Family & Relationships dimension, reflecting the collectivist emphasis on relational control. The study underscores the role of cultural factors, including family dynamics and tribal traditions, in shaping LoC perceptions. Implications include the necessity for gender-sensitive psychological interventions and policies to enhance autonomy, particularly among females, by leveraging community-based approaches like women’s self-help groups. These findings contribute to understanding psychological resilience in tribal communities, offering insights for empowerment plans personalized to India’s rural socio-cultural landscape.