Experiences of Emotional Labour: Narratives of Men from Islamabad

Abstract

This study explores the sociocultural and emotional experiences of men with the identity of sole bread earner for their families in Islamabad, Pakistan. Patriarchy as a social systems position men as dominant figures in both public and private spheres, yet simultaneously impose standardized sociocultural burdens on men for societal approval, enforces them to play the role of head of the household after the death of a father. Drawing upon the feminist lens, this research critically examines how men internalizes institutionalized norms during the process of gendered socialization and perform socially constructed masculine ideals through emotional regulation, suppression, and resilience. Using a Foucauldian discourse analysis, an approach typically considered one of the main qualitative data analysis methods.  Interviews were conducted by taking life histories of 20 men having diverse sociocultural orientation and social status.  The study underscores the social and emotional cost of conforming to rigid gender roles, focusing on how emotional burdens are ignored at the name of meeting societal expectations and maintaining masculine identity. This research contributes to sociological literature on sociology of men by expanding the discourse on male emotional labor and mental health, advocating for more inclusive gender-sensitive policies.

Keywords: Sole Breadwinner, Emotional Labor, Hegemonic Masculinity, Patriarchy, Psychological Burden, Islamabad, Gender Norms