GENDER IDENTITY AND HEGEMONIC STRUCTURES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Gender identity is an expression of one’s self articulated on a spectrum of expressions and behaviours, which gets translated into opinions and expectations that a society at large has regarding groups of people. It is a major factor that serves as a basis of perception that is formed by a group within itself, and by others who try to relate to them through the lens of their own set of values. Gender based violence and discrimination often get overlooked in Pakistan. Having less priority in the face of other political and economic issues. The purpose of this report is to look into the different reasons that are at play in the perception of gender identity in Pakistan. To consider the political structure of Pakistan and try to observe if the system has the political capacity to implement gender based laws. The approach adopted in this regard is mainly analytical, based on the review of literature, other research articles and news. Rather than explicitly mentioning the infinitesimal occurrence of gender based violence, this work tries to conceptually analyze the formation of perception regarding gender performativity and identity. Looking into idealized social norms and their relevance in influencing society and politics.