Reproduction of Gender Hierarchies through Television Dramas/Soaps in Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines the representations of gender on television in
Pakistan. Our specific concern in this study is to examine
representations of men and women or masculinities and femininities
in Pakistani dramas/soaps. Keeping in view the importance of
television in people’s everyday life, we attempt to explore whether
television soaps and dramas reproduce or challenge traditional
notion of masculinity and femininity. The study utilizes data from
two soaps/dramas (Mahey Ray and Jeena Dohswar Hey) broadcasted
on Pakistan television Network (PTV Home). The study used
discourse analysis as methodological and theoretical tool for the
analysis of data and reaching informed conclusion. The analysis
explicates television as one of the key cultural sites which maintains
and reproduces masculine and feminine identities. The overall
conclusion that we derive from the study findings is that television
dramas/soaps are ideologically invested-and contribute to the
reproduction of hegemonic masculinity and subordinate femininity.
In this context, the gender blindness of the soaps and drama writers
and directors is a matter of serious concern.