SEARCH ARTICLE

38 Pages : 420-426

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).38      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).38      Published : Jun 2023

Transgender Rights Law in Pakistan: Mental Health Perspective

    The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018 is an exclusive statutory law  dealing with the rights of transgender persons in Pakistan, the greatest strength of which is the right given to transgender persons to be recognized based on their self-perceived gender identity. However, in its recent judgement, the Federal Shariat Court struck down some of the key sections of this act by declaring them unIslamic. Gender is a social construct and is different from the biological sex. Gender identity, which is the innermost feeling of a person, cannot be changed. Moreover, transgender identity is not a mental disorder and is different from gender dysphoria. This paper discusses the transgender law in Pakistan in detail and the insights from the field of mental health to understand the transgender phenomenon and to handle transgenders' rights in Pakistan by bridging the gaps between the understandings of relevant stakeholders.

    Dysphoria, Identity, Transgender, Mental
    (1) Ali Ajmal
    LLM, University Law College, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Faiza Rasool
    Research Scholar, Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

55 Pages : 629-634

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).55      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).55      Published : Jun 2023

Cultural Assimilation Leading to Third Space Identity: A Postcolonial Analysis of The Reluctant Fundamentalist

    The present paper analyzes the novel ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ (2007) from the postcolonial perspective in terms of Cultural Assimilation and Third Space Identity. Postcolonial theory features cultural hybridity and conflictive and conflated identities with a specific focus on theorists like Frantz Fanon’s ‘The Wretched of the Earth’ (1961), Edward Said’s, ‘Orientalism’ (1978) and Homi K. Bhabha’s 8‘Location of Culture’(1994). In the postcolonial context, cultural assimilation refers to cultural domination where the dominant culture seeks to erase indigenous culture and identity, whereas the Third Space Identity is the in-between space where cultural identities are hybridized. In ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ Pakistani expatriate, Changes is filled to the brim with the issue of an identity crisis. After 9/11 he questions his American Dream when he experiences the prejudice of Americans against Muslims. The paper will explore the theme of identity consciousness and crisis that leads to hybridization in the selected text by applying postcolonial theory. The focus of the study will be on Cultural assimilation and Third Space identity and will examine ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ the in pre and post-9/11 literary and socio-political milieu.

    Cultural Assimilation, Third Space Identity, Postcolonial, 9/11
    (1) Muhammad Iqbal
    M.Phil. Scholar, Department of English, Northern University, Nowshera, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Umair Ahmed Khan
    Lecturer, Department of English, College of Tourism & Hotel Management, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Shozab Ali Raza Abbasi
    Lecturer, Department of English, The University of Layyah, Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan.

16 Pages : 185-198

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-I).16      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-I).16      Published : Mar 2024

Navigating Identity Negotiation and Cultural Adaptation in 'American Fever': A Critical Discourse Study

    The current study aims to analyze the discursive construction and representation of the processes of cultural adaptation and identity negotiation among Pakistani students in America in Dur e Aziz Amna's novel American Fever (2022). The study utilizes Homi K. Bhabha’s concepts of hybridity and mimicry (1994) to unveil students' strategies during their stay in America. Fairclough’s three-dimensional model (1992) was also employed to examine linguistic choices underpinning power and resisting strategies used by the protagonist to establish her position in society. The findings indicate that Pakistani students adapt to American norms, contrasting their native culture. Power dynamics play a significant role in identity negotiation, as Islamophobia and the Pakistani identity of the students affect their power position in American society. The author has used evocative language, metaphors, intertextual references, and code-switching to render the complexities of cultural adaptation and manifest her resistance to prevailing ideologies, including Islamophobia and gender norms.

    Cultural Adaptation, Power Dynamics, Diaspora, Identity Negotiation
    (1) Abdullah Yousaf
    MPhil Scholar, Department of Humanities, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Umara Shaheen
    Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

11 Pages : 100-112

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-III).11      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-III).11      Published : Sep 2024

English Linguistics in the Nexus of Economic Growth and Cultural Evolution

    This article investigates the profound role of English linguistics in shaping economic growth as well as cultural evolution in a world that is highly globalized. With the language ascending toward its status as a global lingua franca, it has greatly influenced international trade, labor mobility, and digital communication, thereby enhancing international economic integration. The economic benefits of knowing English include more competitive information technology and business process outsourcing industries in countries with higher proficiency levels, such as India and the Philippines. Also, there is the cultural dimension of advancing globalization that questions the internationalization of English, linguistic imperialism, and cultural homogenization. On the other hand, while several scholars have contended that the spread of English erodes linguistic diversity, others point out that English is also adaptive: local cultures combine English with native languages to create hybrid forms, including the renowned "Hinglish" and "Singlish."

    English Linguistics, Migration, Economic Growth, Cultural Evolution, Globalization, Linguistic Imperialism, Identity Formation, Human Capital Development, International Relations
    (1) Sadaf -
    MPhil Scholar, Department of English, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Zeeshan Naseer
    Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Government MAO Graduate College, Lahore, Pakistan.
    (3) Ahmad Sheraz
    M.Phil Scholar, School of International Relations, Minhaj University Lahore, Punjab Pakistan.

14 Pages : 135-144

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).14      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).14      Published : Dec 2024

The Role of Islam in Shaping Pakistan's Political Identity and Governance

    This study examines the influence of Islam in shaping Pakistan’s political identity and governance, analyzing the ways Islamic principles and values have been integrated into the nation’s constitutional and institutional frameworks. Since its inception, Pakistan has sought to balance Islamic ideology with modern statecraft, creating a unique model of governance that intertwines religious ideals with political structures. This paper investigates the historical foundations of Islam's role in Pakistan’s political development, exploring how Islamic concepts have influenced legal, social, and policy domains. By studying key constitutional amendments, political movements, and policy shifts, this research sheds light on the complex relationship between religion and state governance in Pakistan, highlighting both the achievements and challenges of incorporating Islamic ideals into contemporary political systems.

    Islam, Pakistan, Political Identity, Governance, Constitutional Framework, Islamic Ideology, Statecraft
    (1) Sara Gurchani
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Tazeem Imran
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Uzma Malik
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, Pakistan.

23 Pages : 253-265

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).23      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).23      Published : Dec 2024

Psychosocial and Cultural Challenges of Social Media Influencers in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

    Social media influence is a rapidly developing market in which influencers face unique challenges linked to their cultural context. The development of digital platforms in Pakistan has enabled influencers to endorse products and advocate for them. This study investigated the experiences and challenges of social media influencers in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with N= 8 Instagram influencers who each have over 10,000 followers. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to analyze the collected data. Five superordinate themes emerged, including identity shaping, concerns, growth and resilience, challenges, and coping strategies. The findings indicate that while influencers experience a sense of self-identity construction and financial security, women express greater concern regarding appearance and prospects than their male counterparts do. The findings of this study highlight the need for increased awareness and support for social media influencers, particularly in culturally conservative countries such as Pakistan.

    Social Media Influencers, Pakistan, Cultural Challenges, Identity, Coping Mechanisms, Qualitative Research
    (1) Aqsa Nasarullah
    Alumni, Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Farah Latif Naz
    Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Bhauddin Zakariya University. Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Iram Gul Gillani
    Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Bhauddin Zakariya University. Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.

02 Pages : 16-26

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).02      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).02      Published : Mar 2025

Elevating Teachers’ Satisfaction: The Impact of Professional Identity and Psychological Empowerment

    The study focused on elevating teachers' satisfaction: The impact of professional identity and psychological empowerment. A cross-sectional survey design with quantitative techniques was employed to conduct this study. The study sample consisted of 357 secondary school teachers, both male and female, from public high schools in Punjab, Pakistan. A stratified random sampling technique was applied for sample selection. Three adopted tools (The Career Satisfaction Scale, the Professional Identity Scale, and the Psychological Empowerment Scale) were used in this quantitative study to collect data. Tools were converted to Google Forms and disseminated for the collection of data. The data were analyzed by applying descriptive (percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics(linear regression analysis). Results revealed a significant positive impact of professional identity and psychological empowerment on teachers' satisfaction. The study recommended that higher authorities may conduct training and conferences to enhance the level of professional identity, psychological empowerment, and teachers' satisfaction.

    Professional Identity, Psychological Empowerment, Teachers’ Satisfaction
    (1) Muhammad Saleem Kashar
    PhD Research Scholar, Department of Educational Research and Assessment, University of Okara, Okara, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Hafiz Muhammad Arshad
    Assistant Professor, Department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, University of Okara, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Syed Abdul Waheed
    Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Okara, Punjab, Pakistan.

05 Pages : 49-60

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).05      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).05      Published : Mar 2025

Animating Identity: The Role of Pakistani Animated Series in Shaping National Narratives

    The research investigates animation as a platform for influencing public perception during military events. A qualitative discourse analysis investigates an animated video showing how a nation addresses a regional conflict through its animated depiction of the situation.The research examines three main themes of military power and national recognition together with technological advancement while evaluating how visual storytelling combines symbolic elements and narrative methods to transmit strategic communications. Though marred by technical drawbacks the video successfully portrays ideas about war defense national control and international relations.The research investigates how the animation uses its visuals to depict the war by presenting strong advantages and moral authority from a single perspective while omitting contradictory views. The film implements specific images and emotional content to support both national unity and manipulate public opinions about the events. These studies demonstrate how animated media works as strategic communication while advancing overall political agendas through narrative presentation.

    Animated Media, Strategic Communication, National Identity, National Narratives. Visual Storytelling
    (1) Sumera Gulzar
    Lecturer, Institute of Visual Art and Design, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Errum Ahmad
    M.Phil Scholar, Department of Communication and Media Studies, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Durraj Nadeem Khan Khosa
    Lecturer, Institute of Visual Art and Design, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

16 Pages : 196-215

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).16      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).16      Published : Jun 2025

A Multi-Modal Discourse Analysis of Meme-Marketing Strategies Used by Pakistani Brands on Instagram

    This study attempts to understand meme marketing dynamics in the Pakistani online media landscape. It focuses on how Pakistani brands using memes take advantage of cultural references, wordplay, trendy template and music to engage the online user base. This study employs a qualitative design utilizing multi-modal analysis to examine 87 meme-based posts from Instagram pages of 5 Pakistani brands across 4 industries: Men’s grooming products, fragrances, ride hailing service and baking. This study is guided by theoretical frameworks such as narrative transportation theory, Shifman’s 3 meme dimensions and self-congruity theory. The findings revealed that brands used local cultural references, religious motifs, regional music and wordplay to engage their demographics. Brand logos and products were imbedded in the memes and humor styles such as self-depreciation, absurdism, sarcasm, pop-culture, visual puns and wordplay were used.

    Meme-Marketing, Pakistani Brands, Gen-Z, Narrative Transportation Theory, Self Congruity Theory, Pop-Culture, Brand Identity, Brand Prominent Meme-Marketing
    (1) Abdullah
    Undergraguate, Department of Media Studies, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Qamar Abbas
    Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Muhammad Munib Ur Rehman
    MS Scholar, Department of Media Studies, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.