RECONSTRUCTING MASCULINITY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MALE CHAUVINISM IN PAKISTANI FILMS AND TELEVISION DRAMAS (2015–2025)

Abstract

The representation of masculinity within Pakistani visual culture is undergoing a period of significant reconstruction because the presentation of masculinity is different from what previously shown in films and dramas. Moreover, the dominant screen narratives continue to reproduce deeply entrenched patriarchal assumptions but modifying it according to the changing needs of society. This study undertakes a comprehensive qualitative content analysis of selected Pakistani films and television dramas from 2015 and 2025. For this study researcher examined the symbolic, structural, and discursive mechanisms through which male chauvinism is legitimised, aestheticised, and circulated. Therefore, researcher adopted a multi-theoretical framework that integrates Connell’s theory of hegemonic masculinity, Butler’s concept of gender performativity, and Tuchman’s notion of symbolic annihilation. The main aim of adopting multiple research theories is interrogation of how visual, narrative, and dialogic elements contribute to the maintenance of male chauvinism. Researcher adopted purposive sample of ten films and six television dramas and analysed them through NVivo-supported thematic coding, supported by a supplementary audience survey (n≈120) and semi-structured interviews (n=12). I the light of findings gathered from the data it was revealed that although certain dramas and films introduce alternative masculinity models characterised by emotional vulnerability, shared decision-making, and empathetic leadership, the majority of mainstream narratives still privilege masculine dominance, heroic violence, female silencing, and patriarchal honour codes. But it was found that a significant shift was emerged in the 2020–2025 period, coinciding with broader sociopolitical discourses around gender rights because of multiple debates over women’s public participation. This study contributes to the growing body of South Asian gender-media scholarship by mapping the evolution of masculine representational regimes across a decade of Pakistani screen culture and offering critical insights into how media narratives shape and reinforce gendered power relations.