Denied career agency and mental well-being among rural young women: a conceptual framework of patriarchal control and social inclusion

Purpose This conceptual paper aims to examine how denied career agency influences the mental well-being of rural young women. It develops a conceptual framework linking patriarchal control, restricted career decision-making, psychological distress, reduced mental well-being and social inclusion. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a conceptual approach by integrating perspectives from gender, career development, mental well-being and social inclusion. It explains how family authority, restricted mobility, marriage expectations, domestic role pressure and limited institutional support shape the educational and occupational agency of rural young women. Findings The paper proposes that patriarchal control restricts career agency by limiting young women’s freedom to imagine, choose and pursue educational and occupational pathways. Denied career agency may generate psychological distress through helplessness, low self-worth, anxiety, frustration and weakened future orientation. The framework further suggests that family support, safe mobility, career counselling, mentoring, institutional support and community recognition can reduce the negative effects of patriarchal constraints. Originality/value The paper contributes by reframing career restriction among rural young women as a mental health and social inclusion issue. It offers a conceptual model that connects patriarchal control, denied career agency, psychological distress, mental well-being and social participation.