ARRIAGE, MOTHERHOOD AND MARGINALIZATION: MISOGYNISTIC NARRATIVES EXPLORED THROUGH DECONSTRUCTING KHIRAD IN HUMSAFAR BY FARHAT ISHTIAQ

Abstract

The research paper critically examines the portrayal of marriage, motherhood and marginalization through the character of Khirad in the widely acclaimed South Asian drama

Humsafar. This paper uses feminist theoretical frameworks, including radical feminism, Sarah Mills feminist prespectives and other models to deconstruct Khirad’s journey within a patriarchal frame work. The study explores how Khirad’s character navigates societal expectations and familial power dynamics that marginalize women within marriage and motherhood. The research aims to analyze how Khirad’s marginalization highlights the systematic inequalities women face in patriarchal societies and the intersection of gender, class and cultural norms in shaping her identity .  It investigates how Khirad’s character challenges or reinforces mysoginistic narratives in family dynamics and societal stuctures. The analysis reveals the duality of motherhood in Kjirad’s journey serving as both a source of empowerment and tool of societal control. The significance of this research paper lies in its examination of Humsafar as cultural artifact reflecting patriarchal ideologies. By critiquing Khirad’s silenced voice, abondonment  and eventual resistance , this paper sheds light on the oppressive structure endure and their resilience within these frameworks. Ultimately, this study contributes to feminist discourse by deconstructing patriarchal narratives in media and advocating for more empowering potrayals of women . This study aims to introduce the concept of strength to  females just like khirad’s unwavering strength and resilience which tranfrom her from a victim to a symbol of defiance, challenging the traditional foundation of patriarchal norms.