About the Author(s)
Samia Hamid and Maryam Iqbal are pursuing their Bachelor’s in Physics at Fatima Jinnah Women University. They are passionate about exploring the intersection of social media and social movements, particularly interested in how digital platforms contribute to cultural revolutions.
Introduction:
In today’s world, media strongly influences how people perceive gender roles. Television shows, movies, and online series shape our understanding of what it means to be male or female in society. Gender roles are the expectations society has for people based on their sex, dictating behaviors, attitudes, and responsibilities for men and women. These roles are constantly portrayed and reinforced in media, but the depiction of gender roles can vary widely between local shows in Pakistan and international shows.
This article aims to explore how gender roles are represented in both local and international shows, drawing comparisons to highlight cultural differences and common patterns. The media’s portrayal of men and women reflects societal norms but can also challenge or reinforce stereotypes. We will analyze how these depictions differ across cultures and what impact they may have on audiences.
Literature Review:
A substantial body of research exists on the influence of media on gender role perception. According to Connell’s theory of hegemonic masculinity (Connell, 2005), media often promotes dominant forms of masculinity and femininity, pushing stereotypes that place men in positions of power and women in supportive or secondary roles. Studies by Goffman (1979) and Butler (1990) suggest that repeated exposure to these portrayals can reinforce rigid gender expectations.
In Pakistan, media studies have shown a consistent pattern of traditional gender roles being promoted in local TV dramas. Women are often portrayed in domestic roles, serving as caregivers, while men are shown as breadwinners. A study by Aslam (2020) on Pakistani TV dramas revealed that female characters often revolve around marriage, family, and relationships, while male characters are associated with work, authority, and decision-making.
Internationally, media representation of gender roles has evolved, particularly in Western shows. The #MeToo movement and feminist campaigns have led to more diverse and empowering portrayals of women. However, despite these advancements, gender stereotypes persist. Research by Gill (2017) shows that in many Hollywood productions, women are still portrayed in sexualized roles, often judged by their appearance, while men are portrayed as assertive and dominant.
Critical Thinking Analysis and Discussion:
Gender Roles in Pakistani Media.
In Pakistani media, gender roles are rooted in cultural and religious traditions. Pakistani television shows, particularly dramas, often reflect conservative societal values where the family is central, and women’s roles are primarily defined by their relationship to men. Popular shows like Humsafar and Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan depict women as self-sacrificing, loyal, and modest, focusing on their roles as mothers, wives, and daughters. The main female characters often face significant challenges but are praised for their resilience in maintaining family honor.
Men, on the other hand, are usually portrayed as protectors and providers. They hold positions of authority within the family and society. Even when male characters show vulnerability, it is often framed as a momentary lapse in their otherwise strong and dominant personas. These depictions reinforce the idea that men should be strong, emotionally detached, and rational, while women should be nurturing and supportive.
However, in recent years, some Pakistani shows have begun to challenge these traditional roles. For example, shows like Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Damsa depict strong female characters who pursue careers and challenge patriarchal norms. Yet, these shows are exceptions, and overall, traditional gender roles remain dominant in the media landscape.
Gender Roles in International Media.
International media, especially in the West, has seen a more diverse range of gender representations in recent years. Shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, Killing Eve, and Orange is the New Black challenge traditional depictions of women by portraying them as complex, flawed, and powerful. These shows explore themes of oppression, empowerment, and gender identity, offering a broader and more inclusive view of what it means to be a woman in modern society.
Male roles in international shows have also evolved. In shows like Breaking Bad and Mad Men, male characters are shown grappling with their sense of masculinity, power, and identity. The vulnerability of these male characters contrasts with the traditional “tough guy” image seen in earlier decades of media. However, even in these shows, the underlying theme of male dominance often persists, showing that while international media has made strides in gender representation, the change is still gradual.
Comparative Analysis.
The depiction of gender roles in Pakistani and international media offers a study in contrasts, but also highlights some surprising similarities. Pakistani media, deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and social values, tends to present more rigid gender roles. Women are primarily depicted in traditional roles tied to the family, while men are portrayed as leaders and decision-makers. Although there are exceptions, the general trend in Pakistani media is to reinforce societal norms around gender.
In contrast, international media, especially in the West, has made more progress in breaking down traditional gender roles. Female characters are more likely to be portrayed as independent and career-driven, and male characters are shown dealing with emotions and vulnerabilities. The rise of gender-neutral and non-binary characters in Western media has further challenged conventional notions of gender.
However, despite these advancements, both local and international media continue to struggle with fully breaking away from gender stereotypes. In both contexts, women are often judged based on their appearance and men on their ability to provide and protect. While Western media offers a broader range of gender roles, it is still far from achieving complete gender equality in representation.
Conclusion:
The depiction of gender roles in contemporary media is a reflection of the cultural, social, and political environment in which it is produced. In Pakistani media, traditional gender roles dominate, with women often shown in domestic roles and men in positions of authority. While some shows have begun to challenge these norms, the change is slow and gradual.
International media, particularly in the West, has made more progress in portraying diverse and complex gender roles. Women are increasingly depicted as independent and powerful, and men as vulnerable and emotional. However, even in international media, gender stereotypes persist, and true equality in representation remains a work in progress.
Ultimately, media plays a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions of gender. By portraying diverse and realistic gender roles, media has the power to challenge stereotypes and promote more equitable gender norms. The future of media representation lies in continuing to push these boundaries and offering a more inclusive view of gender that reflects the diversity of human experience.
