Discursive Constructions of Child Rape in Pakistani Newspapers: A Study of Hussain Khan Wala Case

Abstract

Purpose: This study identifies the types and nature of media discourses of child rape that may be intended to maintain gender ideologies and power relations around normative sexual practices. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research study is conducted from the social constructivist perspective about gender and sex in connection with the dynamics of power relations in the Pakistani social system Data for analysis consisted of all editorials and opinion columns about the Hussain Khan Wala Case in the Urdu newspaper daily Nawa-e-Waqt and English newspaper Dawn. Hussain Khan Wala’s case was a highlight in the media in August 2015. The victims were minor and the incident grabbed the most attention of the press and public. For discourse analysis, newspaper articles (editorials and opinion columns) were selected because these texts present detailed discussion (nature of the problem, causes, effects, solutions, and value judgments) about the phenomenon. Findings: In theoretical terms, Pakistani media dominantly discusses child sexual abuse including rape in the context of political power disparity in rural and urban areas. In Pakistani media, child rape is delinked from adult rape and sexual practices. The blame for child sexual abuse is shifted to political and administrative officialdom. Implications/Originality/Value: The media is structurally and ideologically unsuitable for conservative values and unable to disseminate the values of shame, modesty, piety, and dignity.