Is It Just a Joke? A Qualitative Exploration of Misogyny, Body Shaming and Sexism in Punjabi Stage Dramas

Abstract

Punjabi stage dramas have been facing a negative reputation in recent years due to the obscenity of content presented in them, hence raising concerns about how they are misrepresenting Punjab’s culture. The humor in these dramas flourishes primarily through the humiliation of the women and objectification of their bodies. The present study aims to analyze how the Punjabi stage dramas objectify women and reinforce the negative gender stereotypes through humor. In order to investigate potential responses to the research question, this study employed a qualitative methodology and an inductive content analysis research technique. Upon closely observing and identifying recurring motifs in stage drama episodes, classifications were established and further analyzed to generate themes. The results of the study uncovered some alarming patterns in Punjabi stage dramas where the female body was sexualized and objectified through the use of different metaphors and jokes. The male characters were noticed mocking the female characters on their physique and especially their breast size, hence perpetuating a repulsive environment of misogyny and sexism. The study also discovered another side of masculinity where subordinate masculine roles were sexually harassed by the hegemonic masculine male characters. The study findings suggest an urgent need for the rectification of these problems by portraying a rather positive and practical image of the female gender that represents the cultural values of Punjab and one where their bodies are not objectified.