FACTORS INFLUENCING THE VOTING BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN IN BIHAR: A STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhSamajik.v3.i2.2026.149Keywords:
Women Voters, Voting Behaviour, Bihar, Democracy, Political Participation, ElectionsAbstract
The growing political participation of women in Indian democracy has rendered the electoral process more inclusive and robust. In particular, the significant rise in the voter turnout of women in Bihar over the last decade has made the study of their voting behavior—and the factors influencing it—highly important. This study aims to analyze the social, economic, political, educational, and institutional factors that influence women's voting behavior in Bihar. To achieve this, a descriptive and analytical research methodology has been adopted, utilizing various secondary sources such as Election Commission data, census records, government reports, national surveys, and published research literature. The analysis reveals that women's voting behavior is no longer confined merely to caste, religion, or familial influence; rather, factors such as education, political awareness, government welfare schemes, media, local development, women's empowerment, and the credibility of candidates significantly shape their voting decisions. In conclusion, women in Bihar are emerging as an independent and decisive voting bloc, thereby strengthening both democratic accountability and representation. The study emphasizes the need to promote women's political literacy, digital awareness, leadership development, and women-centric democratic policies to make Indian democracy more participatory, inclusive, and accountable.
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