Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Pakistani Drama Sar-e-rah: A Critical Feministic Perspective

Abstract

This research aims to examine the gender stereotypes in the context of Pakistani drama Sar-e-rah that has been aired on ARY Digital during 2023. Hence, the main objective is to reveal the way female characters of this particular drama seem to challenge the gender stereotypes and what sort of difficulties they face in the way of making their own identity. Butler’s (1990) gender performative theory has been employed as the framework of this research and the sample includes the critical examination of three female characters Rania, Muzna and Marium. Content analysis method has been employed to analyse the data. The results revealed that Sar-e-Rah exemplifies a shift in Pakistani television towards more progressive and inclusive representations of gender. By challenging traditional stereotypes and addressing marginalized communities, the drama contributes to the ongoing discourse on gender equality in media. Future research could further explore the impact of such narratives on viewer perceptions and the broader societal implications of media representations of gender.