Bad Governance and Low Socio-Economic Identity: A Sociological Study of The Unwanted Effects of Bad Governance on The Personal and Social Lives of People from Low Socioeconomic Cohorts in District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Bad governance is a politico-social problem and is pervasive across the world, predominantly in third-world countries. It not only mishandles policies and resources but creates even further problems in the lives of citizens. The current study aims to analyze the unwanted effects of bad governance in the personal and social lives of people in low socioeconomic cohorts. The study is carried out through a qualitative research design due to nature of the problem and its related consequences. A sample size of 20 participants was selected through purposive sampling techniques. Primary information were gathered in face-to-face interviews with the participants. After careful recording and transcription of the relevant information, the data were thematically analyzed and descriptively presented. The study finds that all the citizens of any society get the negative effects of bad governance in terms of inaction and implementation of inappropriate policies, exploitation of resources, lack of provision of equalization opportunities, inappropriate healthcare provision, inflation, etc. But the people of low socioeconomic cohorts get even more devastating consequences because of their already vulnerable social and economic statuses. Pathetically, their personal, familial, and economic lives are deteriorated, and they lead a miserable life with weak social relationships and ever-increasing dependence. The study recommends that the political leadership must be qualified academics, like that of the Chinese society with a strict system of accountability. The researcher feels the gap to thoroughly examine the factors that lead to bad governance in third-world countries.