The Sociology of Silence: Missing Female Voices in Punjabi Folk Tales

Abstract

The present research paper discusses and analyzes the social construction of gender roles in Punjabi folk tales. In this research it is highlighted that the culture is the backbone of any civilization and it plays a vital role in human society. Storytelling is a cultural tradition in Punjabi society. In every folk tale there is depiction of human life in context of their gender roles either they are male or female but they are very close to the culture and its expectations. It is the diverse and heterogeneous constituent of daily life from the folk tales from secondary data collection like: Heer Ranjha, Sassi Punnu, Mirza Sahiban and Sohni Mahiwal. The main goal of this work is based on feministic viewpoint and their social standing in society. Secondly this study discern the importance has been given to Female emotions and their voices toward their life decisions. In the age of patriarchy either they are free to enjoy their lives as their own. This research is qualitative by nature. Critical discourse analysis has been adopted in this work. Different themes explains power, authority, female standing and patriarchal ideology. The final phase of this study involves documenting the findings, which encompass a review of the interpretations. This research has led to three primary conclusions. Firstly, it addresses the recognition of women across different cultures. Secondly, it examines the sacrifices, emotions, financial toxicity, and societal conflicts encountered by female characters within the narrative. Lastly, the research indicates that women are often required to assume responsibilities for matters typically not undertaken by men. Furthermore, girls and women experience greater stress and are often not permitted to make independent.