MEDIA’S REPRESENTATION OF PAKISTANI WOMEN: EFFECTS ON GENDER ROLES AND PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

Recently, media has been an important tool as it shapes people’s perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes, especially regarding gender roles and stereotypes. This study looks at how people's perceptions of gender roles are influenced by how women are portrayed in the media (especially in TV/Movies). The research will examine the nuanced facets of women's empowerment and investigate whether or not media portrayals of women inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes or help young women feel encouraged. Through a mixed-method approach, this research would try to gather insights into how media shapes the perceptions of women's empowerment and contributes to the reinforcement or challenge of prevailing gender norms. For this, a survey from college/university girls of Lahore and in-depth interviews with psychologists will be conducted. The study's conclusions shed light on the complex relationship between gender stereotypes and the media. Furthermore, this study aims to look into how media representation may affect Pakistani women’s perception of their bodies and self-worth. This research aims  to comprehend whether depictions of women in the media contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and cause a feeling of inadequacy among young women.