STUDENT’S ENGAGEMENT WITH THE DISCIPLINE OF GENDER STUDIES: A CASE STUDY OF GOVERNMENT POST GRADUATE COLLEGE (GPGC) HARIPUR.

Abstract

The study explores the experiences of students when they engage with the discipline of Gender Studies. Qualitative methodology, case study method and feminist epistemology was used to conduct the study. The Universe of the study is Government Post Graduate College Haripur, and the tool of data collection was focused group discussion. The findings of the study suggests that due to the patriarchal context of Pakistan, Gender Studies is the last option for students when they take admission; the job market provide opportunities to disciplines matching with the standards of gender normative order leaving Gender Studies with low career opportunities. The students go through internal conflict when they unlearn their previous knowledge and face external pressure and opposition when they apply the alternative knowledge in the conservative patriarchal environment. The students of Gender Studies are stigmatized for having no honor, no moral decency and rebellious behavior. The study recommends spreading awareness regarding Gender Studies, reduce stigma around the discipline, provide space for the discipline to utilize its capacities, provide every kind of support to the discipline and the students and teachers of Gender Studies to play key role in reducing gender discrimination and establishing a gender just society.