Voices of Tradition: Gender Portrayal in Punjabi Proverbs from Chak Zahir District Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan

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Dr. Atifa Nasir
Zainab Hussain
Majid Hussain Alias Ghalib Hussain

Abstract

This study investigates gender representation in Punjabi proverbs, challenging the prevailing view that they solely perpetuate patriarchy. Analyzing 43 proverbs collected from native speakers in Chack Zahir, Punjab, the research employs Judith Butler’s performativity theory to explore how language shapes gender identity within cultural contexts. Findings indicate that while many proverbs target women, often portraying them as inferior, they also honor maternal figures. Notably, proverbs serve as wisdom texts that reflect societal norms and can be used by women to contest gender ideologies. The study concludes that Punjabi proverbs embody the complexities of cultural expression and should not be solely viewed as instruments of gender discrimination. Instead, they reveal a nuanced interplay of power and identity influenced by gender, age, and class, highlighting the need for a broader examination of their implications in Punjabi culture.

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