Ascertaining the Impacts of Modernization on Political Institution: A Case Study

Abstract

Modernization is a process of change which alters the social structure in one way or the other.  In this paper, the notion of modernization concerning the vicissitudes taking place in the political institution of Pakhtun social structure has probed out. The researchers inquired from the residents of district Swat. Further, In-depth Interviews (n = 35) and Focus Group Discussions (n = 07) were conducted in the study area. Furthermore, the study participants expressed that due to the fundamental pillars of modernization, i.e., education, media, technological advancement, urbanization, and many others, the political dimensions are continuously changing. It has concluded that the phenomena of modernization have definite influences on the various aspects like voting behaviour, turnout in elections, legislation concerning electoral reforms, and gender-based nexus of political participation, mode of election campaigns. Although the pace of change is slow, however, its influences are multifaceted and unceasing.