MASCULINITY SCRIPTS IN PAKISTANI DRAMA SERIALS: A FEMINIST CRITICAL DISCOURSE STUDY

Abstract

A feminist critical discourse analysis of masculinity in Pakistani drama serials is conducted in this study. Research Problem The questions arise of how media representations are inflected in the way they contribute to shape core values and norms of a society, especially gender roles and expectations. This study is conducted to explore the construction of masculinity in Pakistani television drama serials and the depiction of such masculinity, and how far these depictions reaffirm or contest patriarchal values. Applying the critical discourse analysis (CDA) – an interpretive methodology wherein language is used as the primary medium between text and society as a social practice (Fairclough, 1995) in dissecting popular drama serials -this study employs feminist theory to define aspects of gendered media/power relations. The findings indicate that although some of the dramas deconstruct traditionalised masculinity, the dominant discourses perpetuate patriarchal ideologies through reassertion of hegemonic masculinity. The study's findings inform the broader field of gender studies by illuminating how media can reinforce or challenge hegemonic gendered norms, with implications for the media industry and social policy in regard to gender representation across South Asia.

Keywords: Masculinity, Pakistani Drama Serials, Feminist Discourse, Hegemonic Masculinity, Gender Representation, Critical Discourse Analysis, Patriarchy.