Be a Man, do not Cry like a Woman: Analyzing Gender Dynamics in Pakistan

Abstract

Contrary to the view that gender is fluid, as concurred by several social scientists, in traditional Pakistani understanding, gender is seen in fixed binaries, i.e., either you are a man or a woman. The third category is known as the third gender in Pakistan. It is interesting to note that although gender is seen as fixed in Pakistani cultures, in informal discussions, varied shades of gender are highlighted by informants based on gender performativity. By drawing on the postmodern feminist theory of gender performativity, this paper does a discourse analysis of informant’s views about gender construction and dynamics in rural Sindh. Ethnographic fieldnotes have been used as primary data to analyze gender nuances implicit in Pakistani men's informal discourse. This paper argues that contrary to unchanging gender identities as endorsed by Pakistan society's patriarchal structure, men dismiss these fixed identities during an informal discussion. Instead, they shuffle gender identities by branding men and women as feminine men and masculine women, respectively, based on their gender performativity. We conclude that irrespective of physical outlook, the power lies in hegemonic forms of agency. Gender relationships and gender performance shape the sexual and gender identity of subjects.

Personal Meanings and Reality of Gendered Socialization in Pakistan

“…The above-mentioned masculine characteristics can be found in the existing literature of different cultures with little variations around the globe (Herren et al 2021), however particular in Asian societies (af 2016;Salam 2021;Channa & Tahir 2020). Knowing at what age they started to learn these standards was also essential.…”

“…In Pakistani society, gender is viewed as stereotypical and a binary division of men and women as two separate sexes, thus, an apparent dichotomy of public and private existence. As gender is socially constructed, gender dynamics are affected by factors such as province / area, social class, educational background, family background, and religious affiliation (Channa & Tahir, 2020). Masculinity and femininity are still confined to specific boxes of perception and conception.…”