Stereotypes and Stigmas in the News: A Critical Discourse Analysis of News Reports on Khawajasiras in Pakistan‟s Newspapers

Abstract

The study aims to analyze the stereotypical and stigmatizing discourses regarding a non-binary gendered marginalized group in Pakistan, called Khawajasiras. Since 2009, after Supreme Court‟s verdict in favor of Khawajasiras, a number of developments have taken place for the welfare of the community. However, literature shows that these developments have had limited impact on the marginalized lives of Khawajasiras. Therefore, this study raises the question of if and how stereotypes and stigmas are reinforced regarding the Khawajasira community despite the post 2009 developments for the community‟s welfare. The question is addressed by doing critical discourse analysis of Pakistan‟s newspapers.