EDUCATIONAL IMPACT OF THE GENDER RELATED PROVERBS ON THE LIFE OF PASHTUN WOMAN

Abstract

Gender stereotyping is a universal phenomenon and through it gender identities and roles are constituted.  Gender stereotyping occurs in the form of discourses as all the phenomena of our life are swayed by discourses. The current study is an effort to investigate the sexist proverbs of Pashto which have impacted the educational aspect of Pashtun women’s life. Our ways of thinking in the social world are shaped by discourses. Different relationships also grow under the influence of discourses. Pashto proverbs as a social discourse have determined the role and status of women. These proverbs have evolved under the influence of Pashtunwali, which is a code of conduct for all Pashtuns. The discourse of Pashto proverbs excludes women from the social and economic sphere, which has also impacted her educational aspect as a consequence. Proverbs are considered as sayings of the wise and are thought to be unquestionable. The study has also analyzed the collected data of proverbs that have depicted woman as weak, unintelligent, lacking in wisdom and vision and so incapable for acquiring intellectual and academic activities. Proverbs have been analyzed through Foucault’s concept of power and knowledge. The tool of thematic analysis has been applied to the collected data.