“Mardangi,” or manliness, has long been a cornerstone of Pakistani society. It’s a concept woven into tradition, tied to strength, authority, and the ability to provide. But in the age of social media, where feminist discourse is challenging traditional roles, the definition of masculinity is beginning to shift.
Fatima, a student at the University of Sargodha, came across an Instagram post of a man wearing an apron, cooking dinner for his family. The caption read: “Real men share responsibilities.” For Fatima, it was a moment of reflection. “This isn’t the kind of masculinity I grew up seeing,” she thought. “But it feels… right.”
A recent study conducted in Sargodha dives deep into this phenomenon, exploring how social media feminism is influencing traditional notions of masculinity among Pakistan’s youth.
The Changing Face of Masculinity
For generations, masculinity in Pakistan has been synonymous with dominance and emotional restraint. Men were expected to be providers, decision-makers, and stoic figures of authority. But platforms like Instagram and TikTok are now showcasing men as caregivers, partners, and nurturers.
“Before, I thought being a man meant never crying or showing weakness,” said Ali, a 22-year-old student. “But then I saw a video of a man comforting his child after a tantrum. It made me realise there’s strength in being gentle.”
The study revealed that 50% of respondents noticed a shift in the portrayal of men on social media. These portrayals, while often celebrated in urban areas like Sargodha, still clash with traditional expectations in more conservative regions.
Feminism and Mardangi
Social media feminism, often associated with challenging patriarchal structures, has played a pivotal role in redefining “Mardangi.” With hashtags like #NewMasculinity and #GenderEquality trending, the youth are exposed to diverse representations of what it means to be a man.
Women, in particular, are driving this conversation. According to the study, 46% of female respondents found traditional male roles outdated, compared to 37% of males. Sana, a sociology student, shared her perspective: “For me, Mardangi isn’t about being dominant. It’s about being compassionate and supportive. Social media is showing us that men can be vulnerable and still be strong.”
Resistance to Change
Not everyone is embracing this redefinition of masculinity. Many respondents expressed discomfort with seeing men in roles traditionally reserved for women. “I don’t agree with how men are shown as submissive in some posts,” said one participant. “It feels like an attack on our culture.”
This resistance underscores the tension between progress and tradition. Yet, the study found that daily exposure to feminist content led to a measurable shift in beliefs about masculinity, especially among younger users.
The Road Ahead
For students like Ali and Fatima, the concept of Mardangi is no longer confined to traditional ideals. Instead, it’s evolving into something more inclusive—a balance of strength, vulnerability, and partnership.
As Fatima put it, “Mardangi isn’t about fitting into a rigid mold anymore. It’s about being human.”
In Sargodha and beyond, the winds of change are blowing. Social media feminism isn’t just reshaping perceptions of women’s roles—it’s redefining what it means to be a man in Pakistani society. And for a generation ready to embrace equality, this redefinition is long overdue.
