Gender Relations in Pakistan Review

Media plays a crucial role in shaping social norms, beliefs, and values, as various forms of media, including advertisements, television, and film, permeate modern life. Gender roles are perpetuated largely because society collectively endorses these roles, with the media serving as a primary communicator. Even young children are influenced by gender roles through advertisements (L. Allison, 2014).

Historical Context of Gender Relations in Pakistan

Pakistani television commenced its transmission on November 26, 1964 (Khan, 2010). Initially, the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) operated under stringent government control. During the 1980s, under General Zia-ul-Haq's military regime, these restrictions intensified. Women were permitted to appear on television only in limited roles, such as mothers, sisters, daughters, or wives, and were expected to dress modestly, often with a dupatta covering their hair. PTV remained the state-controlled television channel until 1990 when private channels like Shalimar Television Network (STN) and Network Television Marketing (NTM) emerged. However, PTV continued to dominate until the early 21st century. The media liberalization during General Pervez Musharraf's regime in 2002 marked the end of PTV's monopoly, leading to greater media freedom in Pakistan. According to Aalberg and Jenssen (2007), media is “deeply implicated in the process of setting and framing gender” (p. 21).

Gender Relations and Patriarchy in Pakistan

Gender relations in Pakistan are based on two fundamental perceptions: the belief that women are subordinate to men and the notion that a man's honor is linked to the behavior of the women in his family. This results in societal restrictions on women's mobility and behavior, aiming to preserve family honor. While the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees equal rights for both men and women, practical equality remains elusive. According to the Human Development Report 2007/2008, Pakistan ranked 82nd out of 93 countries in the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM), which quantitatively assesses women's empowerment based on control over economic resources and participation in political and economic decision-making.

Pakistan is characterized as a patriarchal society where men are the primary authority figures, and women are often relegated to subordinate roles. This patriarchal system is deeply entrenched in cultural traditions and societal structures, with significant limitations on women's autonomy. Traditional gender roles dictate that men are the breadwinners while women manage the household and childcare responsibilities. These behavioral patterns are passed down through generations, reinforcing gender stereotypes that generalize the characteristics and capabilities of each gender.

Gender Stereotypes and Their Implications

Gender stereotypes are oversimplified generalizations about the traits of each gender. These stereotypes can be harmful as they restrict individuals to predefined roles, limiting their opportunities and potential. For instance, women are often expected to take on "nurturing" roles such as secretaries, teachers, and nurses, while men are seen as strong and capable breadwinners. Women are frequently perceived as less competent in technical fields and are often expected to prioritize domestic responsibilities over professional ambitions.

Despite these traditional roles, the increasing access to education for both genders is seen as a catalyst for change. The mass media can play a pivotal role in promoting women's empowerment by challenging existing stereotypes and showcasing diverse representations of gender roles.

Conclusion

In summary, gender roles in Pakistan are shaped by historical, cultural, and societal influences. While significant strides have been made towards gender equality, entrenched patriarchal norms and stereotypes continue to pose challenges. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from various societal sectors, including media, education, and policy-making, to foster an environment where both men and women can thrive equally.