DIP: 18.02.021/20251004 
DOI: 10.25215/2455/1004021 
Abstract
This study critically examines the gendered dynamics of sericulture in Kashmir, a sector that relies heavily on women’s labour while subjecting them to entrenched patriarchal constraints. Drawing on mixed-methods data from 259 women beneficiaries, the analysis documents prevalent socio-cultural barriers including community discrimination (31%), institutional gender bias (45%), ostracization (18%), and role conflict (36%) and their psycho-social consequences, such as chronic stress, diminished self-efficacy, social isolation, and internalized devaluation. These findings reveal a paradoxical “double burden,” wherein women’s economically vital contributions are culturally marginalized, perpetuating cycles of subordination amid conflict-exacerbated conservatism. The paradox of resilience evident in high rates of non-reported constraints underscores mechanisms of normalization and adaptive coping. Theoretically grounded in feminist political economy, stigma theory, and role strain theory, the study advocates for psycho-socially informed interventions to advance authentic empowerment beyond conventional technical support.
The author(s) appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate the research process. 
The author declared no conflict of interest. 
ISSN 2455-670X