CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL HIERARCHIES THROUGH LANGUAGE: REPRESENTATION OF CLASS IN PAKISTANI TV DRAMAS THROUGH CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS AND SOCIOLINGUISTICS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze how language is used to represent and maintain social hierarchies in Pakistani TV dramas. A qualitative research approach was employed with Fairclough's CDA model and Basil Bernstein's code theory as the research tools to conduct this study. To choose the most relevant dramas, a purposive sampling technique was used. The sample was collected from two mainstream entertainment channels, Hum TV and ARY Digital. 'Udaari' was selected from the former channel that is written by Farhat Ishtiaq, while from the latter one 'Mere Pas Tum Ho' was selected that is written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two dramas to unveil how they shape public perception not only by representing social stratification, ideological messages and the prevailing steroetypes but also by challenging them. The dramas of both female and male writers were selected respectively to understand their contributions in shaping or reinforcing public perceptions. The results of the study showed that Pakistani TV dramas serve more than just entertainment, reflecting and at times questioning the conventional practices and socioeconomic differences.