Conventional Female Images, Islamization and its Outcomes: A study of Pakistani TV Dramas

Abstract

This paper explores the dichotomy of a “good and bad” woman in the portrayal of Pakistani TV dramas telecast during the period of ‘Islamization’ (1977-88) in Pakistan. This era witnessed the integration of Islam into politics and constitutional structure. The construction of a ‘good woman rhetoric’ through TV dramas played a significant role in reinforcing stereotypical and traditional views and attitudes about women. In the wake of the War on Terror, the issues of gender equality and women representation have gained considerable attention for Pakistan. I examine two drama serials, selected on the basis of purposive sampling. Through the analysis of discourse in dialogues, roles assigned to women, and the ways of addressing them, I argue that dramas in Islamization period depict images of women that are highly conservative; this kind of rhetoric has a significant role in the provision of a gauging parameter for women’s conformity with established norms.