Gender stereotypes in television dramas : a case study of three drama serials

Abstract

Pakistan is a country considered vulnerable in protecting Human Rights, especially to women and children. Women are one of the most marginalized groups in Pakistani society. Violence against women and girls including rape, 'honour killings,' acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced marriage remains a serious problem. Patriarchy prevails and women are considered a lesser human being than men. Failure in protection has numerous causes; one of them is not having enough sensitization about why it takes place and which factors perpetuate this attitude towards women. This study aims to analyse one of those factors; the perpetuation of anti-women values through the prime-time TV dramas. Qualitative research with critical discourse analysis of three prime time TV drama serials/soap operas has been done. The discourse in those drama serials, through themes of the story, dialogues, main characters' disposition in various situations, has been critically examined to determine the extent of the TV drama's insensitivity or negligence towards the human rights of women. Results suggested that most of the stereotypes not only were reinforced in the dramas, but they were also emphasized in the emotional situations presented in the drama. The main ideas perpetuated by discourse include: men are associated with power, women are weak and powerless; women are simplified as either good or bad; the justification of violence against women; and also romanticizing violence between the main characters of the man and woman in the story. These all can significantly contribute to perpetuating stereotypes that are obstacles to achieving equality and equity for women and other marginalized groups in society. These studies can further contribute to understanding what goes wrong in a patriarchal society and give an understanding of how to further advocacy can avoid reinforcing the stereotype through this genre.