Male Gaze In Pakistani Culture

Abstract

The concept of the male gaze in Pakistani culture reflects the ways in which women are viewed, represented, and controlled through patriarchal perspectives embedded in social, media, and cultural practices. Rooted in gender power dynamics, the male gaze shapes expectations of female behavior, appearance, and mobility in both public and private spheres. In Pakistani society, this phenomenon is evident in film, television, advertising, and everyday interactions, where women are often objectified or judged according to male-defined standards. This study explores how the male gaze influences identity formation, restricts agency, and reinforces gender inequality, while also examining emerging resistance through feminist discourse, digital media, and evolving cultural narratives.