Depiction of domestic violence in the primetime dramas of Pakistan

Abstract This study analyzes the depiction of domestic violence in the primetime television dramas of Pakistan. Domestic Violence is an international issue that is affecting women all around the globe. Television dramas shape the mindset of people and the culture of any country. Pakistani dramas have normalized and romanticized domestic violence against women. This study analyzes six primetime dramas on three of the famous private TV channels by using content analysis research methodology. In these dramas, women are portrayed as submissive and compromising and do not give up on their toxic spouses. Violence against women and the way these dramas have normalized domestic violence is analyzed through purposive random sampling. The study finds out that such dramas promote and normalize domestic violence. Although the ending of most of the dramas portrays domestic violence as a curse, the storyline of most of the dramas has many loopholes that create a stereotypical mindset of viewers, especially women. Instead of portraying women as submissive waiting for miracles, they should be portrayed as empowered women who can take a stand for themselves. Key Words; Domestic Violence, Pakistani Dramas, Television drama serials, Violence against women, Feminism in Pakista