UNDERSTANDING OF TRIBAL MASCULINITIES: A CASE STUDY OF YOUNG ADULT MALES FROM DISTRICT MOHMAND

Abstract

Historically the concept of masculinity has changed rapidly and teenager boys are also influenced and expected to follow these constructed standards. Because teenager boys are following their elders and similarly representing themselves with that particular masculine standard. Their masculinities taking growth from the given patriarchal structure. In the construction of masculinity, patriarchy plays a major role, because in every culture masculinities are directly proportional to, what type of patriarchy exists. The patriarchal values are transferred from generation to generation and these values are also changed with the passage of time. Teenager boys are comparing themselves with a particular type of masculinity. They are also encouraged by their parents, families, social networks, and additional institutional resources. This research study seeks to investigate masculinities and how they are enhanced in a particular patriarchal tribal structure. Even teenager boys are expected with most hegemonic forms of masculinity. Those standards for masculinities are fixed by society and with the passage of time somehow, those are a little bit flexible but never accepted women and girls are equal to men and boys. In particular, the Mohmand district's unique culture is highlighted. There is multiple literature available on both sports and masculinities, however, this research has covered the engagement of teenager boys with cricket in tribal Pukhtun culture. In the lack of indigenous literature, alternate sources of information like tappa books are encouraging men and boys to become hegemonic. Teenagers are more comfortable fitting themselves into such rigid categories of masculinities when they have the direct backing of their family, the covert support of institutional and society values enables them to portray themselves as hegemonic. This particular study seeks to fill the gap missing in local literature by investigating the masculinities of teenager boys associated with sports. Despite the modern era of Information technology and artificial intelligence, why are they still stuck in those standards? vii A qualitative method was chosen. In-depth interview guideline was used for deepest understanding of research study. Sixteen (16) participants were interviewed, their ge group was ranging from 13 to 15. Eight of them were school going while eight were not school going. Furthermore, thematic analysis was done in order to obtain themes that were relevant to the research objectives. Based on the analysis of themes that were presented from the interview procedure in which the data was collected, it was found that teenager boys were influenced by those settled standards for masculinities. Most of them were inspired by local elders who had more physical strength as well as dominant positions (Malik). Hardly few of them wished to go for higher studies and explore the world by studying success stories but all of them at some points represented the hegemonic form of masculinity. They claimed that masculinity has a close relationship not only with physical strength but also with honor. Their aggressive behaviors are transferred to them through learning by modeling. Key Terms: Masculinities, patriarchy, physical strength, honor, revnenge, stereotypes, culture and religion.