Discursive Marginalization in Pakistani Talk Shows: A Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis

This study examines the discursive marginalization of women in two popular Pakistani talk shows, ‘Hasna Mana Hai’ and ‘The Talk Talk Show’, using a feminist critical discourse analysis approach. It explores how hosts and male participants employ innuendo and implicit sexism to subtly undermine and objectify female participants. Additionally, the analysis reveals frequent use of denigration and sexualization, where women are belittled through derogatory remarks or reduced to their physical appearance, reinforcing traditional gender hierarchies. Such discursive strategies silence women’s contributions and delegitimize their authority in public discussions. These practices reflect broader sociocultural power relations embedded within Pakistani media, where talk shows reproduce gendered inequalities under the guise of entertainment and informed debate. By highlighting how innuendo, implicit sexism, denigration, and sexualization operate in the selected shows, this study underscores the urgent need to re-examine media practices to foster inclusive and respectful representation of women in public communication.