Sexualised Objects and the Embodiment of Honour: Rape in Pakistani Films

Abstract

A number of popular Pakistani films feature rapes and attempted rapes, supporting a rape culture that needs to be problematised. I analyse these films and demonstrate that this gendered form of violence serves multiple functions, providing the audience with gratuitous entertainment, developing the narrative and/or punishing women. These functions, which are by no means unique to Pakistani film, incite, excuse and normalise sexual aggression, so supporting a strong rape culture. I also draw attention to more culturally specific honour-based ideologies in these films and demonstrate how these can also encourage and legitimise rape. This leads to a more holistic understanding of what this local rape culture entails. I show that the mainstream film industry has consistently portrayed this culture and suggest that filmmakers’ allegiance to such narratives has therefore amplified the promotion and reproduction of a rape culture in Pakistani society.

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