Pakistani Society and Culture

Allied material
SOC-201: BS Sociology (University of the Punjab )
Introduction
Definition of Society

A large group of interacting people in a defined territory, sharing a common culture.

https://sociologydictionary.org/society/#definition_of_society

Characteristics of Pakistani Society

1. Religious Uniformity

Pakistan came into existence to provide its people with a system based on Islam. The people, in spite
of some language differences, customs and traditions commonly follow one religion. Islam is
practiced by all Pakistanis.

2. Language

A number of languages are spoken in Pakistan. Some of them are Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto and
Baluchi. But Urdu is spoken and understand in all parts of Pakistan. Being the official language, it is
the media of communication between all regions of Pakistan.

3. Literature and Poetry

Literature is an important aspect of our cultural life. Most of our poets reflect Islamic code and
deliver the message of love and brotherhood. A similarity of thought among poets and writers of all
regions is an important factor of our cultural life.

Sufi poets occupy an honored place. Sufis like Lal Shahbaz, Data Ganj Baksh, Shah Abdul Lateef,
Sachal Sarmast, Hazrat Sultan Bahu and Waris Shah rendered meritorious services for the spread of
Islam in the subcontinent.

4. Dress and Diet

Dress is an important manifestation of culture. Regional dresses of Pakistan have undergone changes
due to local traditions, economic conditions, and wealth. But in all provinces, people generally wear
the traditional dress by Salwar Kameez.

The food we consume and social etiquette confirms strictly with Islamic principles.

5. Mixed Culture

Pakistani culture is a mixed culture although majority of people are Muslims by birth and faith.
However there is great influence of Hindu and British culture on present Pakistani society.

6. Male Dominated Society

In Pakistani culture the male member of the family enjoys the key position. The family is headed by
a male member and in most cases, he is the sole source of income for other members of the family.
7. Arts and Architecture

The iconoclasm of Islam has given a characteristic form and pattern in the use of elegant designs,
based on geometric figures and floral forms borrowed from nature. The Shah Jahan
Mosque, Shalimar Garden, Badshahi Mosque, Shahi Qila and many such graceful buildings are a
living proof of the splendid Mughal architecture.

8. Handicrafts

Embroidery, leather works, glazed pottery, woodwork, carpet making, metal crafts, and ivory are the
essential parts of our culture. Pakistani craftsmen are considered the best in their craftsmanship. They
are known for the high quality works which is very popular in foreign countries.

9. Sports

Games like wrestling, hockey, cricket, football, squash etc are popular in every part of our country.
These games reflect our cultural identity.

10. Education

Pakistan’s educational system plays a vital role in the formation of culture, unity and solidarity of the
nation. Therefore, it is important that the entire curriculum from kindergarten to high school be
placed in accordance with the ideology of Pakistan.

11. Religious Festivals

Festivals play an important part of our culture. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are our two main religious
festivals. They are celebrated with great happiness throughout the country.
https://www.sharnoffsglobalviews.com/pakistani-culture-traits-244/

Social Stratification, Cast, Class & Ethnicity

Social stratification refers to a society’s categorization of its people into rankings based on factors
like wealth, income, education, family background, and power.

Caste systems are closed stratification systems where people can do little or nothing to change the
social standing of their birth. The caste system determines all aspects of an individual’s life:
occupations, marriage partners, and housing. Individual talents, interests, or potential do not provide
opportunities to improve a person's social position.

The Class System

A class system is based on both social factors and individual achievement. A class consists of a set
of people who share similar status based on factors like wealth, income, education, family
background, and occupation. Unlike caste systems, class systems are open. People may move to a
different level (vertical movement) of education or employment status than their parents. Though
family and other societal models help guide a person toward a career, personal choice and
opportunity play a role.

They can also socialize with and marry members of other classes. People have the option to form
an exogamous marriage, a union of spouses from different social categories. Exogamous marriages
often focus on values such as love and compatibility. Though social conformities still exist that
encourage people to choose partners within their own class, called an endogamous marriage,
people are not as pressured to choose marriage partners based solely on their social location.

https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-3e/pages/9-1-what-is-social-stratification

Caste system in Pakistan

https://www.slideshare.net/uzmabb12045/caste-system-in-pakistan

Ethnicity in Pakistan

https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/Urban-settlement

Family as an institution in Pakistan

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/pakistani-culture/pakistani-culture-family

Religion in Pakistan

https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/Religion

Economy in Pakistan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Pakistan

Politics in Pakistan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Pakistan

Education in Pakistan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Pakistan#:~:text=The%20education%20system%20in%2
0Pakistan,and%20twelve%2C%20leading%20to%20a