Investigating the Intersection of Media Representation Relationship Perception and Socio-Cultural Values in Pakistani Dramas: A Youth Centre Study

Abstract

Pakistani television dramas have long played a significant role in shaping public thought and cultural identity. Through their portrayal of relationships, gender roles, and family structures, these dramas not only reflect but also influence the socio-cultural values of society. This study investigates how media representation in Pakistani dramas shapes youth perceptions of relationships and contributes to their understanding of cultural norms and values. Present study investigates the question on how Pakistani TV Dramas influence the attitudes of the young population concerning relationship perception and social norms. Besides narrating stories these plays, popularity of which represents a type of entertainment in the country, also influence and shape the attitudes of the whole society.   Because dramas often address such issues as marriage, family, responsibilities and gender roles play an important role in the development of the attitudes and expectations of young people towards the topic of romantic relationships and social life.  This paper examines the influence of exposure to the media on longitudinal perspectives of the young audience based on the Cultivation Theory. In a quantitative strategy, the information of the young people was recorded through an organized questionnaire.  The survey determined the extent or frequency of the consumers to watch dramas combined with their views on relationships and cultural values.   Data was tested looking for patterns and trend lines using statistical procedures including Pearson correlation, regression, ANOVA and independent-samples t-tests.   The findings show that moderate exposure to television content can help spread traditional values unlike where there is high exposure to the content which is mostly associated with distorted or pessimistic perspectives towards relationships and practices.   This has been the tendency more among persons with poor media literacy or viewing skills.

Keywords: Media Representation, Socio Cultural Values, Media Perception