Patriarchy, Misogyny and Pakistani Women in Cyberspace: Feminist Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

This study explored women‟s experiences in cyberspace. The main concern of the research was to understand cyberspace culture and the relationship between cyberspace existence, masculinity and societal gender relations. The study was conducted in the Punjab and four districts (Sargodha, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala) were sampled to collect the research data. The sample was consisted of 40 women respondents and their age was between 20 to 45 years. Qualitative research methodology was used and in-depth interviews were conducted by designing an interview guide. In-depth interviews were very helpful for the researchers to understand the dynamics and perspectives of gendered societal norms, patriarchy and misogynic believes against women prevailing in Pakistan. After conducting in-depth interviews, narrative and thematic analysis techniques were used to generate conclusions. Research findings explored that patriarchy has digital aspects and majority of the respondents witnessed and experienced patriarchal encounters as well as bullying and violence in cyberspace. Social media platforms were main source of propagating public and private patriarchy. Moreover, feminist analysis concluded that cyberspace represents societal mindset and is propagating misogynistic contents as well.