A Thematic Study on the Use of Gender Biased Terminology in Afghanistan Television Programs

Ahmad Khan, Melanie M. Tidman

A T Still Health Sciences University

This qualitative thematic study explores the use of gender-biased terminology toward Afghan women broadcast on Afghan television programs. In this study, Shamshad TV's Tawda Bahsona and Tolo News' Tawdi Khabari on YouTube were reviewed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. The study engaged a focus group of Afghan natives of diverse participants living in Afghanistan to analyze the presence and implications of biased language directed towards women. This thematic analysis of selected YouTube videos from Shamshad TV's Tawda Bahsona and Tolo News' TV Tawdi Khabari content from 01/01/2023 to 01/01/2024, along with Afghan focus group discussions. Seven key themes emerged, showing significant patterns of gender-biased language toward Afghan women that can perpetuate stereotypes and lead to social inequalities. The findings of this study highlighted a division of identities between Afghan men and Afghan women, the marginalization of Afghan women's roles, and standards of masculinity that weaken women's roles. The findings of this study highlighted the potential role of television programs' content in shaping Afghans' perceptions of gender identity. It indicates opportunities for promoting more equitable representations of Afghan women without stereotyping them in different roles and provides recommendations for enhancing positive change in representing Afghan women.

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/JSParchives/a-thematic-study-on-the-use-of-gender-biased-terminology-in-afghanistan-television-programs