WOMEN’S EDUCATION IN CRISIS: A POSTMODERN FEMINIST READING OF MOHSIN’S THE DIARY OF A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Abstract

This research was based on Postmodern Feminist analysis of Pakistani elite society as it related to women's education based on the Postmodern Feminist interpretation of Mohsin's The Diary of a Social Butterfly (2008). This research emphasized that education was presented as a symbol of social position as well as a source of awareness, critical thinking and empowerment. The novel focused on the lives of upper-class women, who seemed cultured, but were constrained by social norms, materialism and shallow values. This work was based Postmodern Feminist theory which examined gender roles, identity, power, class consciousness, and the representation of women in society. The character of Butterfly was analyzed to demonstrate that for elite women, appearance, social image and luxury were more important than intellectual development and social responsibility. The discussion also examined the impact of patriarchal and class-based systems on perceptions of education and empowerment for women. This work used a qualitative method and textual analysis to interpret the selected text. The results indicated that education should not be limited to social status promotion but should also create awareness, develop independent thinking and contribute to social change. The research presented a critical discussion of women's education in the contemporary society of Pakistan, which was a valuable addition to the Postmodern Feminist literary criticism and South Asian literary studies.