Women’s Identities Gendered, Men’s Nationalistic: Study

News Desk

Islamabad: A new study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) emphasises the gendered character of identities, associating women with gendered identities, males with patriotic and ethicised identities, and sexual minorities with religious and marginalised identities.

The study delves into social capital, examining the various forms of capital possessed by respondents, analyzing differences in their habitus, and exploring the role of cultural capital in reinforcing social power dynamics. Special attention is given to vertical and horizontal social capital, investigating their influence on social networking and the development of gendered, professionalized, and spatial relationships.

In terms of inclusivity, the research indicates that Pakistanis exhibit behaviors that circumvent religious minorities, marginalize transgender individuals, and display patriarchal, sexist, and heteronormative attitudes toward women.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/study-uncovers-gender-disparities-in-disability-insignia-cnic-issuance/

Additionally, majoritarian inclinations are observed towards men. The study sheds light on these dynamics, emphasizing the importance of addressing inclusivity in various social dimensions. The issue of trust emerged as a central theme, with participants expressing mistrust in key institutions, including the state, government, judiciary, police, and army. Reasons for this mistrust, narrated from the lived experiences of the respondents, range from case pendency and political influence in the judiciary to complicity in criminal activities and excessive government footprint.

In this comprehensive study, titled “BASICS,” Dr. Durre Nayab, Pro Vice-Chancellor at PIDE, and Dr Fahd Zulfiqar, Assistant Professor at PIDE, have meticulously compiled a diverse range of research notes exploring the beliefs, attitudes, social capital, institutions, community, and self of Pakistanis, as detailed in a press release.

The research, addressing the layered, intersectional, and multi-vocal nature of identities among Pakistanis, classifies identity into two main categories: Individual and National. The former encompasses personal identity, while the latter involves aspects such as nationality and a profound sense of connection to and yearning for the homeland.

This study, serving as the inaugural installment in the series titled “Who Are We?” lays the groundwork for subsequent reports. The forthcoming report aims to showcase a variety of individuals expressing their beliefs, attitudes, selves, community ties, social capital, and perceptions of institutions. This series promises to provide a nuanced and insightful exploration of the diverse facets that collectively contribute to the complex tapestry of Pakistani identity.