Transition of Gender Roles across Three Generations.

Rubab Zehra, Uzma Ashiq Khan, Maryam Zafar, Sobia Naseer

Abstract

This study focused on how gender roles change from traditional to modern society with the impact of globalization by exploring the role of culture, technology, and environment. Globalization is the integration process that may affect human wellbeing, environment, economic development, and societal prosperity worldwide. A qualitative method was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 12 participants comprising of generation X (1965-1979), generation Y (1980-1994), and generation Z (1995-2004). Participants were sampled purposively. Through thematic analysis 10 major themes were discovered; (i) Perceived traditional gender roles, (ii) Transitional gender roles, (iii) Practicing traditional gender roles, (iv) Socio-cultural and family pressure, (v) Adopting new behavioral characteristics by females, (vi) Technology paved new ways and convenience, (vii) Negative aspects of Technology, (viii) Sensitized gender concept, (ix) Exposure to a hazardous environment, and (x) Social deconstruction of gender roles. The following information was found with regard to different generations and genders: (i) The element of acceptance and change is more evident in generation Z than in generation X; (ii) The male respondents are more persistent in traditional gender roles; (iii) The influence of technology on changing gender roles is more evident among the female participants; and (iv) Generation X and Y have more stereotypical views on gender roles than generation Z. The implication of this study is that gender roles are changing significantly over time in Pakistan due to globalization and technological development.