Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors Influencing Superstitious Beliefs: Evidence From Urban and Rural Populations of Hyderabad, Sindh

Abstract

Superstition, defined as irrational belief in supernatural causes, persists across societies despite scientific advancement. This study investigates the factors influencing superstition among rural and urban populations of Hyderabad District, Sindh, focusing on income, gender, cultural background, and religion. Data were collected from 300 respondents through multi-stage cluster sampling, and regression analysis was applied using SPSS. Results indicate that family income has a statistically significant negative relationship with superstition (β = -0.262, p < 0.001), suggesting that economic stability reduces irrational beliefs. Gender also showed a significant association (β = 0.174, p = 0.000), with women reporting higher superstition levels. In contrast, cultural background (β = 0.237, p = 0.483) and religion (β = 0.303, p = 0.202) had weaker, non-significant impacts. The findings align with global literature that links poverty and uncertainty to irrational beliefs while highlighting gendered dimensions of superstition. The study recommends targeted educational and socioeconomic interventions to mitigate superstition’s role as a barrier to development.