Gendered Expectations and Linguistic Deviations A Comparative Analysis of Male and Female Hosts in Pakistani Talk Shows

Abstract

This study aims to analyze whether Pakistani male and female talk show hosts deviate or align with the prescribed norms associated with their genders. In Pakistani talk shows, male and female hosts drive distinct gender expectations that influence their linguistic choices and interactional styles. Based on a qualitative method, the study employs a dataset of four Pakistani talk shows—two anchored by male hosts and two by female hosts. The hosts’ speech and interactional turns are examined using Conversational Analysis, with Butler’s performativity theory guiding the assessment of conversational dominance. The researcher compares both male hosts and female hosts, and finds that female hosts interrupt more than male hosts and female hosts overlap more than males for taking the turn. It highlights that male and female hosts challenge their gender stereotypes because the gender performance is different from their normative genders. The study highlights the need for comparative studies in other South Asian countries to analyze the impact of societal norms on gendered performances in TV talk shows.