This study on the sectarian discourse in Jhang tries to understand the phenomenon by employing the cultural tools of inquiry. It seeks to investigate sectarianism by exploring those sectarian performances, which, inherently, are culture specific.
These performances are the parts of discourse. Every discursive position in the shape of a particular viewpoint involves some practices and performances. These performances, according to the newly emerging theories of cultural performance, seek credibility from the audience to achieve a dominant position in a discourse. This credibility is a relationship between the performance and the audience in a particular culture. It is a subjective relationship which varies with the changing dynamics of time and space. Similar discursive formations have differences of structural building in different sets of cultural conditions.
The hegemonic status of a particular viewpoint in a particular discourse depends upon the intensity of relationship between the act and the audience in the performances attached with that viewpoint. This relationship is relative, and this relativity keeps the discursivity alive in a discourse. This relativity rather than the absoluteness keeps the struggle alive and reduces the level of inertia in a society.
Sectarian performances, in this study, include textual, oral and customary performances. It also includes the concept of cultural script for the examination of cultural sectarian performances. This categorization yearns to explore sectarian texts, sectarian oral traditions and some customary practices. This scheme of research will help to find the cultural roots of sectarianism and will be equally significant for the overall understanding of the issue, which till now, is understood dominantly as religious and to some partially socio-political.
Pakistani society has been the victim of shia-sunni sectarian violence over the last four decades which has engulfed the peace of the country by appearing in various ways. Its appearance in both violent and non-violent ways, has affected almost the whole country but Jhang, a district of Punjab province, stands prominent.
Sectarianism in Jhang attracted the attention of journalistic and academic analysis. The works of Khalid Ahmad, Tahir Kamran, and Mariam Abou Zahab cover the different aspects of the issue. Most of the works discuss historical, political and socio-economic aspects of sectarianism.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Acknowledgement
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to understand sectarianism in Jhang, Pakistan (1979-2009) by employing cultural tools of inquiry, focusing on sectarian performances as culture-specific discursive practices. It moves beyond predominantly religious and socio-political analyses to explore the cultural roots of the phenomenon.
- Sectarian performances (textual, oral, customary)
- The role of cultural scripts in shaping sectarian identities
- The relationship between performance, audience, and the establishment of hegemonic viewpoints
- The dynamics of power and credibility within sectarian discourse
- Cultural analysis of sectarianism in Jhang, contrasting with existing historical, political, and socio-economic perspectives
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This abstract introduces the concept of sectarianism as differences and divisions within a religious community, often leading to violence. It highlights the significant sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims in Pakistan, particularly in Jhang district, Punjab province. The study focuses on understanding this phenomenon through a cultural lens, analyzing sectarian performances as part of a broader discourse. It emphasizes the subjective and dynamic nature of credibility within this discourse, influenced by the relationship between performance and audience. The study explores textual, oral, and customary sectarian performances, aiming to uncover the cultural roots of sectarianism in Jhang, moving beyond primarily religious and socio-political explanations.
Acknowledgement: This section expresses gratitude to various professors and colleagues who provided support and guidance throughout the author's doctoral research. It highlights the contributions of supervisors, colleagues at different universities, and friends, emphasizing their roles in shaping the research and providing both academic and personal support. The acknowledgment section also includes thanks to family members for their moral and physical support.
Keywords
Sectarianism, Pakistan, Jhang, Shia-Sunni conflict, cultural performance, discourse analysis, cultural scripts, hegemonic viewpoints, religious violence, cultural roots.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Cultural Analysis of Sectarianism in Jhang, Pakistan (1979-2009)
What is the main focus of this study?
This study analyzes sectarianism in Jhang, Pakistan between 1979 and 2009, focusing on the cultural aspects and performances that contribute to the phenomenon. It goes beyond traditional religious and socio-political explanations to explore the cultural roots of Shia-Sunni conflict in the region.
What methodology does the study employ?
The study uses cultural tools of inquiry, analyzing sectarian performances (textual, oral, and customary) as culture-specific discursive practices. It examines how cultural scripts shape sectarian identities and the dynamics of power and credibility within sectarian discourse.
What are the key themes explored in the research?
Key themes include sectarian performances, the role of cultural scripts in shaping sectarian identities, the relationship between performance, audience, and the establishment of hegemonic viewpoints, the dynamics of power and credibility within sectarian discourse, and a cultural analysis contrasting with existing historical, political, and socio-economic perspectives.
What types of sectarian performances are examined?
The study examines textual, oral, and customary sectarian performances to understand how these contribute to the perpetuation of sectarianism.
What is the significance of the audience in this study?
The study emphasizes the importance of the relationship between performance and audience in shaping the dynamics of power and credibility within sectarian discourse.
How does this study differ from previous research on sectarianism in Jhang?
This study offers a unique cultural analysis of sectarianism, contrasting with primarily religious and socio-political explanations found in previous research. It focuses on the cultural performances and scripts that underpin the conflict.
What are the key takeaways or conclusions of the study (as presented in the abstract)?
The abstract highlights the significant sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims in Jhang, emphasizing the need to understand this phenomenon through a cultural lens. It emphasizes the subjective and dynamic nature of credibility within the sectarian discourse and explores the cultural roots of sectarianism, moving beyond primarily religious and socio-political explanations.
What is included in the Acknowledgements section?
The Acknowledgements section expresses gratitude to various individuals who supported the author's research, including professors, colleagues, family, and friends.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include: Sectarianism, Pakistan, Jhang, Shia-Sunni conflict, cultural performance, discourse analysis, cultural scripts, hegemonic viewpoints, religious violence, cultural roots.
- Citar trabajo
- Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan (Autor), 2017, Sectarian Discourse in Pakistan. A Case Study of District Jhang (1979-2009), Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1003706
