Women bodies have been the site of contestation and struggle in the colonial ventures. This resea... more Women bodies have been the site of contestation and struggle in the colonial ventures. This research article aims to discuss the opaque veil erected as a barrier between the bodies of Algerian women and French colonizers' gaze. Rather than being an object to be seen and observed by French men, the veiled women 'See, without being seen'. Thus, the veil evaded power dynamics between colonized and colonizers. By doing a literature search of French colonial rule in Algeria (1830-1962), this paper explores the significance of the veil by comprehending the processes of veiling, unveiling and re-veiling of the Algerian women during the c 1 olonial rule in Algeria. Drawing the theoretical framework from the works of Malek Alloula and Timothy Mitchell, this essay also examines different paradoxes associated with the veil in Algeria. This essay analyses the drastic change in the French perception of the veiled Algerian women from the erotic towards a new emphasis on the veiled Algerian women as a symbol of political danger. This paper also explores how this new political role gave the veiled Algerian women agency to act during French colonial rule in Algeria and how veiling became a symbol of colonial resistance.
This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any... more This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Authors share joint copyright with the JIWS.
This study unveils the traditional gender norms embedded in people's ideology regarding marriage ... more This study unveils the traditional gender norms embedded in people's ideology regarding marriage which advocates gender discrimination throughout married life of couples. Traditional Pakistani gender norms tie women to family by curbing their careers and ambitions, encumbering them with household chores and the responsibility to nurture, and classifying women as obedient, submissive, and dependent in supporting their spouse even at the cost of their own careers. The focus of this research is addressed by utilizing quantitative research method. A sample of 384 respondents was selected by using multistage convenient sampling technique and data was collected by designing a questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between independent variables i.e., traditional gender roles, mate selection criteria and dependent variable i.e., gender discrimination. The findings of the study reveal positive relationship between the variables, which endorse all the three hypotheses of this research. This research highlights that the power related gender ideology is affected by two instruments; first is enacting male dominance prior to marriage by mate selection criteria, and second is maintaining the male dominance during the marriage by traditional gender role norms for both spouses, which caused the gender discrimination among married couples.
Evil eye is a malignant glance that can damage wellbeing of the person upon whom it's casted. Evi... more Evil eye is a malignant glance that can damage wellbeing of the person upon whom it's casted. Evil eye can be intentional or unintentional. The roots of evil eye lie in envious feelings towards someone's health, wealth, social and personal growth. Evil eye is a widely accepted belief across the globe as it elucidates inexplicable misfortunes faced by an individual or a group of people. By conducting an ethnographic fieldwork of four months among females of Ghareebabad, this study explores varied cultural and religious perceptions about evil eye prevalent in Pakistan. For this study, in-depth interviews were conducted by using purposive sampling technique. The descriptive analysis of data collected reveals greater reliance on local cultural remedies rather than religious rituals to ward off evil eye. The indigenous remedies used by respondents to ward off evil eye highlight the deep embeddedness of superstitious beliefs in local cultural cognizance.
This paper explores the linguistic strategies employed in the revolutionary speeches of Ayatollah... more This paper explores the linguistic strategies employed in the revolutionary speeches of Ayatollah Khomeini to integrate religious landscape and disintegrate liberalism in Iran. It is explicated in this study that religious ideologies embedded in the language of revolution, i.e. revolutionary speeches, are not primarily persuasive because they are right or true, instead, how coherently intense the arguments appear to masses evoking their emotions. Revolution is not between two people but between two ideologies represented by two parties, which in the speeches by Ayatollah Khomeini are Islamist and Liberals. For the purpose of this research, we have selected two speeches of Ayatollah Khomeini with special reference of the Iranian revolution. By drawing on the theoretical framework of Norman Fairclough"s structure of critical discourse analysis, this study demonstrates the power of language to translate ideologies into revolution. It is analyzed that the language of Khomeini"s speeches depicts an Islamic ideology both implicitly and explicitly, therefore creating a Religious Landscape in Iran at the time of revolution. Khomeini inculcated Islamic ideologies among Iranians through his speeches and challenged the status quo by overthrowing Shah"s liberalism.
This qualitative ethnographic study attempts to seek deep insides into the older construction Wor... more This qualitative ethnographic study attempts to seek deep insides into the older construction Workers’ perceptions of problems generate due to construction work. This study involves 23 aged construction laborers from south Punjab. The data were generated through detailed face to face interviews with the participants. This study employs thematic analysis to draw insights from the gained perceptions through interviews. The four themes that emerged from the thematic analysis are: degradation of health due to construction work; laborers’ dissatisfaction with construction work; inconsistency of livelihood in construction work; and restricted socially active life due to construction work. This study recommends that future research should be focused on the comparative analysis of charter international labor rights and the organizational rules under which the construction labor works
Shrine is a place that has religious, cultural, and political significance, especially in Pakista... more Shrine is a place that has religious, cultural, and political significance, especially in Pakistani society. People visit shrines regularly and perform various religious rituals for the pilgrimage of Sufi saints and fulfillment of their needs. This paper analyses the economic underpinnings of various rituals practiced at the shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Multan. The interplay of religion and economy at shrines is a relatively under-discussed field of study. Drawing on my ethnographic fieldwork at the shrine of Shah Ruk-e-Alam, this study explores various ritualistic practices involving the exchange system, distribution, and reciprocity. For this research, I have focused on three groups of people who are involved in varied forms of exchange like reciprocity, redistribution, and market economy.This study concludes that there are multi-layered meanings of different religious economies performed at the Shrine of ShahRukn-e-Alam, which highlight the religification of commodities and commod...
Managing classrooms is the central component of effective teaching and learning practices and, th... more Managing classrooms is the central component of effective teaching and learning practices and, therefore, has always been the concern of teachers. The literature demonstrated that classroom management techniques are generally oriented either towards discipline or towards engaging students with learning. Teachers generally perceive classroom management techniques with an orientation either towards one or both, and these perceptions are likely to guide them about the way they manage their classrooms. In this context, the main intent of this research was to identify techniques that school teachers perceive as classroom management techniques (along with their orientation) and to examine the effectiveness of those techniques for supporting students’ learning. This research further examines gender differences among teachers related to these questions. This research used descriptive survey research design. The teachers in 190 elementary schools of district Dera Ghazi Khan served as populat...
No other piece of cloth has ever caused this much debate as the headscarf. This paper examines th... more No other piece of cloth has ever caused this much debate as the headscarf. This paper examines the headscarf debate in three European countries i.e., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Firstly, the headscarf affair depicts different state policies developed and implemented by three countries, to integrate the Muslim immigrants. Secondly, an analysis of different approaches used by these countries regarding the headscarf issue highlights the place of Muslims and Islam in the European countries. Lastly, this paper contends that the headscarf controversy in France, Germany and the United Kingdom revolves around the issues of secularity vs. Islamic fundamentalism, gender equality vs. religious rights, modernity vs. backwardness and integration vs. assimilation. In this paper, we argue that contrary to the common perception that Muslims are intolerant, backward, and theocratic; the act of banning the headscarf by some of the European countries, in fact, proved these countries to be...
No other piece of cloth has ever caused this much debate as the headscarf. This paper examines th... more No other piece of cloth has ever caused this much debate as the headscarf. This paper examines the headscarf debate in three European countries i.e., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Firstly, the headscarf affair depicts different state policies developed and implemented by three countries, to integrate the Muslim immigrants. Secondly, an analysis of different approaches used by these countries regarding the headscarf issue highlights the place of Muslims and Islam in the European countries. Lastly, this paper contends that the headscarf controversy in France, Germany and the United Kingdom revolves around the issues of secularity vs. Islamic fundamentalism, gender equality vs. religious rights, modernity vs. backwardness and integration vs. assimilation. In this paper, we argue that contrary to the common perception that Muslims are intolerant, backward, and theocratic; the act of banning the headscarf by some of the European countries, in fact, proved these countries to be intolerant and authoritarian towards Muslims.
Language plays a vital role in a person's identity construction. This research paper discusse... more Language plays a vital role in a person's identity construction. This research paper discusses how gender affects language and how responses vary from person to person while addressing the same issues. By drawing upon Cameron's Dominance Model, this research is aimed to present an analysis of variations in responses between male and female participants. It analyses how discourse differs when a group of female participants and a group of male participants talk on similar topics. This study is based on focused group interviews with a group of each gender on parental perceptions about the career of their children. Each group consists of 6-8 participants. Thematic analysis is used as an analytic technique to discover differences between male and female groups while sharing their perceptions. The paper found that gender discourse is shaped by socially dominated gendered norms which consequentially affect children’s careers choice. This research implies that females’ career option...
Superstitions are prevalent all over the world in almost all fields of life (e.g. sports, politic... more Superstitions are prevalent all over the world in almost all fields of life (e.g. sports, politics, business, showbiz etc.). This study is designed to explore ubiquitous superstitious beliefs practiced in the rural community of Punjab, Pakistan. Jahovda (1992) argues that superstitious practices grow in the context of ignorance and almost all human societies have some superstitious tendencies. Varied cultures tend to have superstitious beliefs that sometimes overlap or contradict. For instance, black cats are considered to bring both good luck and bad luck in Western part of the world, whereas, in Indian sub-continent it is essentially a sign of bad luck. In Pakistani society, the word superstition has got a negative connotation not just because of its association with irrationality and illiteracy but primarily due to religious reasons. Islam, religion of 97percent of Pakistan's populations, strongly prohibits believing in superstitions. Therefore, many people generally reject that they believe in any form of superstitions. However, the ethnographic fieldwork conducted at Chak No. 233 WB, District Lodhran, Punjab, Pakistan for a period of five months depicted that many daily life practices of informants had strong superstitious underpinning. In this research, the researchers used simple random sampling technique. Participant observation and in-depth interviews were the main tool of data collection. The findings of this study revealed that a variety of superstitious beliefs are practiced in the rural areas of Pakistan. The determinants of these beliefs include gender, locality, the level of education, the level of family tensions, religion and sect, and economic conditions. The study concludes that several superstitious beliefs determine the daily life practices and decision-making of rural people in Pakistan.
Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Pakistan, this paper explores the relationship between cosmo... more Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Pakistan, this paper explores the relationship between cosmopolitanism and class in Pakistan. The participants of this research are young Pakistani men, who were studying in an elite Pakistani university at the time of fieldwork. The educational training and socialization of the informants has taught them to be 'global citizens' of the world as most of them will serve in key bureaucratic and administrative positions in Pakistan and abroad. By virtue of their training in an elite university, these young men were participating in a cosmopolitan version of Pakistani culture. The spectrum of meanings that international food chains, brands outlets and technological gadgets may have for young Pakistanis provides insights into the meaning and significance of the process of cosmopolitanism. Understandings of such things as McDonalds, for example, may change considerably depending on the socioeconomic class of the individual and the particulars of cultural context. Whereas McDonalds currently carries working class connotations in most western settings, in Pakistan McDonalds has somehow obtaineda status symbol and is mostly consumed by upper or upper-middle class people who are located on the 'westernized'/ 'modernized' end of Pakistan's social spectrum. In this paper, we elucidate what 'being cosmopolitan' entails in Pakistani cultural context by distinguishing between consuming cosmopolitanism, living like a global citizen and understanding cosmopolitanism.
This paper explores varied perceptions of being modern in Pakistan. Based on ethnographic fieldwo... more This paper explores varied perceptions of being modern in Pakistan. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan, this study investigates the understanding of the concept of modernity in Pakistan and its close connection with westernization. The informants of my research show an aversion towards modernity based on western patterns and labelled it as misinterpreted modernity. Misinterpreted modernity refers to the westernized model of modernity adapted by many people in Pakistan. A few important markers of misinterpreted modernity, suggested by the informants, include adopting western dress, using the latest technological gadgets, buying food from international fast-food chains like McDonald‟s and Burger King, and speaking in English. Most of the people in Pakistan qualify as modern based on these markers. In this study, I propose that modernity in Pakistan is misinterpreted because as a postcolonial nation the institutions have been established in Pakistan whereas the critical engagement required for the development of these institutions is lacking. The informants, however, reflect on these processes and stress that “our modernity” should emerge from our own cultural roots. Drawing on Eisenstadt theory of multiple modernities and empirical findings of my research, this paper suggests an alternative form of modernity, perhaps a Pakistani modernity.
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences International Journal (LASSIJ)
Contrary to the view that gender is fluid, as concurred by several social scientists, in traditio... more 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 id...
Women bodies have been the site of contestation and struggle in the colonial ventures. This resea... more Women bodies have been the site of contestation and struggle in the colonial ventures. This research article aims to discuss the opaque veil erected as a barrier between the bodies of Algerian women and French colonizers' gaze. Rather than being an object to be seen and observed by French men, the veiled women 'See, without being seen'. Thus, the veil evaded power dynamics between colonized and colonizers. By doing a literature search of French colonial rule in Algeria (1830-1962), this paper explores the significance of the veil by comprehending the processes of veiling, unveiling and re-veiling of the Algerian women during the c 1 olonial rule in Algeria. Drawing the theoretical framework from the works of Malek Alloula and Timothy Mitchell, this essay also examines different paradoxes associated with the veil in Algeria. This essay analyses the drastic change in the French perception of the veiled Algerian women from the erotic towards a new emphasis on the veiled Algerian women as a symbol of political danger. This paper also explores how this new political role gave the veiled Algerian women agency to act during French colonial rule in Algeria and how veiling became a symbol of colonial resistance.
This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any... more This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Authors share joint copyright with the JIWS.
This study unveils the traditional gender norms embedded in people's ideology regarding marriage ... more This study unveils the traditional gender norms embedded in people's ideology regarding marriage which advocates gender discrimination throughout married life of couples. Traditional Pakistani gender norms tie women to family by curbing their careers and ambitions, encumbering them with household chores and the responsibility to nurture, and classifying women as obedient, submissive, and dependent in supporting their spouse even at the cost of their own careers. The focus of this research is addressed by utilizing quantitative research method. A sample of 384 respondents was selected by using multistage convenient sampling technique and data was collected by designing a questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between independent variables i.e., traditional gender roles, mate selection criteria and dependent variable i.e., gender discrimination. The findings of the study reveal positive relationship between the variables, which endorse all the three hypotheses of this research. This research highlights that the power related gender ideology is affected by two instruments; first is enacting male dominance prior to marriage by mate selection criteria, and second is maintaining the male dominance during the marriage by traditional gender role norms for both spouses, which caused the gender discrimination among married couples.
Evil eye is a malignant glance that can damage wellbeing of the person upon whom it's casted. Evi... more Evil eye is a malignant glance that can damage wellbeing of the person upon whom it's casted. Evil eye can be intentional or unintentional. The roots of evil eye lie in envious feelings towards someone's health, wealth, social and personal growth. Evil eye is a widely accepted belief across the globe as it elucidates inexplicable misfortunes faced by an individual or a group of people. By conducting an ethnographic fieldwork of four months among females of Ghareebabad, this study explores varied cultural and religious perceptions about evil eye prevalent in Pakistan. For this study, in-depth interviews were conducted by using purposive sampling technique. The descriptive analysis of data collected reveals greater reliance on local cultural remedies rather than religious rituals to ward off evil eye. The indigenous remedies used by respondents to ward off evil eye highlight the deep embeddedness of superstitious beliefs in local cultural cognizance.
This paper explores the linguistic strategies employed in the revolutionary speeches of Ayatollah... more This paper explores the linguistic strategies employed in the revolutionary speeches of Ayatollah Khomeini to integrate religious landscape and disintegrate liberalism in Iran. It is explicated in this study that religious ideologies embedded in the language of revolution, i.e. revolutionary speeches, are not primarily persuasive because they are right or true, instead, how coherently intense the arguments appear to masses evoking their emotions. Revolution is not between two people but between two ideologies represented by two parties, which in the speeches by Ayatollah Khomeini are Islamist and Liberals. For the purpose of this research, we have selected two speeches of Ayatollah Khomeini with special reference of the Iranian revolution. By drawing on the theoretical framework of Norman Fairclough"s structure of critical discourse analysis, this study demonstrates the power of language to translate ideologies into revolution. It is analyzed that the language of Khomeini"s speeches depicts an Islamic ideology both implicitly and explicitly, therefore creating a Religious Landscape in Iran at the time of revolution. Khomeini inculcated Islamic ideologies among Iranians through his speeches and challenged the status quo by overthrowing Shah"s liberalism.
This qualitative ethnographic study attempts to seek deep insides into the older construction Wor... more This qualitative ethnographic study attempts to seek deep insides into the older construction Workers’ perceptions of problems generate due to construction work. This study involves 23 aged construction laborers from south Punjab. The data were generated through detailed face to face interviews with the participants. This study employs thematic analysis to draw insights from the gained perceptions through interviews. The four themes that emerged from the thematic analysis are: degradation of health due to construction work; laborers’ dissatisfaction with construction work; inconsistency of livelihood in construction work; and restricted socially active life due to construction work. This study recommends that future research should be focused on the comparative analysis of charter international labor rights and the organizational rules under which the construction labor works
Shrine is a place that has religious, cultural, and political significance, especially in Pakista... more Shrine is a place that has religious, cultural, and political significance, especially in Pakistani society. People visit shrines regularly and perform various religious rituals for the pilgrimage of Sufi saints and fulfillment of their needs. This paper analyses the economic underpinnings of various rituals practiced at the shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Multan. The interplay of religion and economy at shrines is a relatively under-discussed field of study. Drawing on my ethnographic fieldwork at the shrine of Shah Ruk-e-Alam, this study explores various ritualistic practices involving the exchange system, distribution, and reciprocity. For this research, I have focused on three groups of people who are involved in varied forms of exchange like reciprocity, redistribution, and market economy.This study concludes that there are multi-layered meanings of different religious economies performed at the Shrine of ShahRukn-e-Alam, which highlight the religification of commodities and commod...
Managing classrooms is the central component of effective teaching and learning practices and, th... more Managing classrooms is the central component of effective teaching and learning practices and, therefore, has always been the concern of teachers. The literature demonstrated that classroom management techniques are generally oriented either towards discipline or towards engaging students with learning. Teachers generally perceive classroom management techniques with an orientation either towards one or both, and these perceptions are likely to guide them about the way they manage their classrooms. In this context, the main intent of this research was to identify techniques that school teachers perceive as classroom management techniques (along with their orientation) and to examine the effectiveness of those techniques for supporting students’ learning. This research further examines gender differences among teachers related to these questions. This research used descriptive survey research design. The teachers in 190 elementary schools of district Dera Ghazi Khan served as populat...
No other piece of cloth has ever caused this much debate as the headscarf. This paper examines th... more No other piece of cloth has ever caused this much debate as the headscarf. This paper examines the headscarf debate in three European countries i.e., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Firstly, the headscarf affair depicts different state policies developed and implemented by three countries, to integrate the Muslim immigrants. Secondly, an analysis of different approaches used by these countries regarding the headscarf issue highlights the place of Muslims and Islam in the European countries. Lastly, this paper contends that the headscarf controversy in France, Germany and the United Kingdom revolves around the issues of secularity vs. Islamic fundamentalism, gender equality vs. religious rights, modernity vs. backwardness and integration vs. assimilation. In this paper, we argue that contrary to the common perception that Muslims are intolerant, backward, and theocratic; the act of banning the headscarf by some of the European countries, in fact, proved these countries to be...
No other piece of cloth has ever caused this much debate as the headscarf. This paper examines th... more No other piece of cloth has ever caused this much debate as the headscarf. This paper examines the headscarf debate in three European countries i.e., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Firstly, the headscarf affair depicts different state policies developed and implemented by three countries, to integrate the Muslim immigrants. Secondly, an analysis of different approaches used by these countries regarding the headscarf issue highlights the place of Muslims and Islam in the European countries. Lastly, this paper contends that the headscarf controversy in France, Germany and the United Kingdom revolves around the issues of secularity vs. Islamic fundamentalism, gender equality vs. religious rights, modernity vs. backwardness and integration vs. assimilation. In this paper, we argue that contrary to the common perception that Muslims are intolerant, backward, and theocratic; the act of banning the headscarf by some of the European countries, in fact, proved these countries to be intolerant and authoritarian towards Muslims.
Language plays a vital role in a person's identity construction. This research paper discusse... more Language plays a vital role in a person's identity construction. This research paper discusses how gender affects language and how responses vary from person to person while addressing the same issues. By drawing upon Cameron's Dominance Model, this research is aimed to present an analysis of variations in responses between male and female participants. It analyses how discourse differs when a group of female participants and a group of male participants talk on similar topics. This study is based on focused group interviews with a group of each gender on parental perceptions about the career of their children. Each group consists of 6-8 participants. Thematic analysis is used as an analytic technique to discover differences between male and female groups while sharing their perceptions. The paper found that gender discourse is shaped by socially dominated gendered norms which consequentially affect children’s careers choice. This research implies that females’ career option...
Superstitions are prevalent all over the world in almost all fields of life (e.g. sports, politic... more Superstitions are prevalent all over the world in almost all fields of life (e.g. sports, politics, business, showbiz etc.). This study is designed to explore ubiquitous superstitious beliefs practiced in the rural community of Punjab, Pakistan. Jahovda (1992) argues that superstitious practices grow in the context of ignorance and almost all human societies have some superstitious tendencies. Varied cultures tend to have superstitious beliefs that sometimes overlap or contradict. For instance, black cats are considered to bring both good luck and bad luck in Western part of the world, whereas, in Indian sub-continent it is essentially a sign of bad luck. In Pakistani society, the word superstition has got a negative connotation not just because of its association with irrationality and illiteracy but primarily due to religious reasons. Islam, religion of 97percent of Pakistan's populations, strongly prohibits believing in superstitions. Therefore, many people generally reject that they believe in any form of superstitions. However, the ethnographic fieldwork conducted at Chak No. 233 WB, District Lodhran, Punjab, Pakistan for a period of five months depicted that many daily life practices of informants had strong superstitious underpinning. In this research, the researchers used simple random sampling technique. Participant observation and in-depth interviews were the main tool of data collection. The findings of this study revealed that a variety of superstitious beliefs are practiced in the rural areas of Pakistan. The determinants of these beliefs include gender, locality, the level of education, the level of family tensions, religion and sect, and economic conditions. The study concludes that several superstitious beliefs determine the daily life practices and decision-making of rural people in Pakistan.
Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Pakistan, this paper explores the relationship between cosmo... more Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Pakistan, this paper explores the relationship between cosmopolitanism and class in Pakistan. The participants of this research are young Pakistani men, who were studying in an elite Pakistani university at the time of fieldwork. The educational training and socialization of the informants has taught them to be 'global citizens' of the world as most of them will serve in key bureaucratic and administrative positions in Pakistan and abroad. By virtue of their training in an elite university, these young men were participating in a cosmopolitan version of Pakistani culture. The spectrum of meanings that international food chains, brands outlets and technological gadgets may have for young Pakistanis provides insights into the meaning and significance of the process of cosmopolitanism. Understandings of such things as McDonalds, for example, may change considerably depending on the socioeconomic class of the individual and the particulars of cultural context. Whereas McDonalds currently carries working class connotations in most western settings, in Pakistan McDonalds has somehow obtaineda status symbol and is mostly consumed by upper or upper-middle class people who are located on the 'westernized'/ 'modernized' end of Pakistan's social spectrum. In this paper, we elucidate what 'being cosmopolitan' entails in Pakistani cultural context by distinguishing between consuming cosmopolitanism, living like a global citizen and understanding cosmopolitanism.
This paper explores varied perceptions of being modern in Pakistan. Based on ethnographic fieldwo... more This paper explores varied perceptions of being modern in Pakistan. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan, this study investigates the understanding of the concept of modernity in Pakistan and its close connection with westernization. The informants of my research show an aversion towards modernity based on western patterns and labelled it as misinterpreted modernity. Misinterpreted modernity refers to the westernized model of modernity adapted by many people in Pakistan. A few important markers of misinterpreted modernity, suggested by the informants, include adopting western dress, using the latest technological gadgets, buying food from international fast-food chains like McDonald‟s and Burger King, and speaking in English. Most of the people in Pakistan qualify as modern based on these markers. In this study, I propose that modernity in Pakistan is misinterpreted because as a postcolonial nation the institutions have been established in Pakistan whereas the critical engagement required for the development of these institutions is lacking. The informants, however, reflect on these processes and stress that “our modernity” should emerge from our own cultural roots. Drawing on Eisenstadt theory of multiple modernities and empirical findings of my research, this paper suggests an alternative form of modernity, perhaps a Pakistani modernity.
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences International Journal (LASSIJ)
Contrary to the view that gender is fluid, as concurred by several social scientists, in traditio... more 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 id...
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