In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful
Title: Investigating the phenomenon of picture-relying marriages in Parachinar
Group Members:
Ifza
Sara Kainat
Maryam Sajid
Rubina Batool
Atiqa Shoaib Qureshi
Submitted to: Ms.Ameema Malik
Course: Research Methodology
Department of Anthropology
Faculty of Social Sciences
International Islamic University, Islamabad
Introduction:
Marriage is the formation of a socially recognized union. In the enchanting town of Parachinar, a
unique tradition of picture-relying marriages has captured the curiosity of many. These
marriages, devoid of the physical presence of a husband, rely solely on photographs as a
means of connection. This anthropological study seeks to delve into the depths of this intriguing
phenomenon, exploring the cultural and social factors that contribute to its existence. By
conducting a comprehensive case study in Parachinar, we aim to shed light on the motivations,
implications, and impacts of picture-relying marriages. Through in-depth interviews,
observations, and analysis of relevant literature, this research aims to provide a nuanced
understanding of this tradition and its significance within the local community. By examining the
intricacies of these marriages, we hope to contribute to the broader field of anthropology and
foster cross-cultural understanding.
Area:
The area of this research is social Anthropology. Social Anthropology focuses on understanding
the social and cultural aspects of human societies, which includes marriages customs and
rituals.
Literature review:
1) TITLE: INTERNATIONAL MALE MIGRATION AND ITS IMPACTS ON EDUCATION OF
CHILDREN AND WIVES LEFT BEHIND.
AUTHOR: SHAHID IQBAL, RIAZ AHMAD MOZMI, FAIZA IQBAL, MAZHAR SAEED
SUMMARY.
This article explores the impact of international migration on families left behind, focusing on
children's education and the experiences of females in Gujrat, Pakistan. The study notes the
positive influence of remittances on education, as migrant families can allocate more resources
to schooling. However, challenges faced by wives left behind include increased responsibilities
and emotional strain. The research underscores the socioeconomic effects of migration on
households, emphasizing both positive and negative consequences. Overall, the study suggests
that while migration positively affects education and economic conditions, it also introduces
challenges such as increased responsibilities for women and potential negative impacts on
children's well-being
2) Title: The cultural stigma attached with inter-tribal marriages encourages forced
marriages case study from rural Sindh.
Author: Saeed Ahmed Rid
Summary:
This article by Saeed Ahmed Rid focusses on forced marriages in rural Sindh. It argues
that cultural stigma is the reason behind forced marriages along with other customs e.g.
honor killing, child marriages etc. This article uses four case studies to illustrate how
taboo attached to intertribal marriages promotes forced marriages in rural Sindh through
these case studies the research aims to shed light on the dynamics and impact of
cultural norms on forced marriages. Furthermore, the author argued that their cultural
stigma is the root cause of forced marriages in rural Sindh. He explained that this is their
traditional practice and they do not want to leave it behind and it has been varying from
culture to culture.
3) Title: Male migration and problems faced by the family left behind: A case study of Thesil
Daska
Author: Shazia kousar
Summary: This research delves into the economic, social, and psychological aspects of
families affected by migration, employing qualitative inquiry. Findings indicate that
migrant children benefit in education and health, correlating positively with budget
allocation. However, those left behind, particularly children, exhibit psychological
disturbances due to the absence of their fathers. Women, while economically stable,
undergo emotional stress. The roots of international migration are tied to limited
opportunities and poverty. Migration, perceived as a remedy for economic issues, proves
costly, affecting uneducated migrants and their families in developing countries. The
study emphasizes the need for evidence-based social policies to mitigate migration's
adverse effects on the left-behind families.
4) Title: The Cultural Stigma Attached With Inter-Tribal Marriages Encourages Forced
Marriages Case Study From Rural Sindh
Author: Saeed Ahmed Rid
Summary: This article by Saeed Ahmed Rid focuses on forced marriages in rural Sindh,
Pakistan. It argues that cultural stigma surrounding intertribal marriages, along with
customs like honour-killing, child marriage, and marriage with Quran, contribute to forced
marriages. This article uses four case studies to illustrate how the taboo attached to
intertribal marriages promotes forced marriages in rural Sindh. Furthermore, it explores
the legal aspects of forced marriages according to international law, local Pakistani law,
and Shariah law, discussing potential measures to decrease instances of forced
marriages in rural Sindh.
5)Title: An exploration of life experiences of left behind wives in Edo State, Nigeria
Author: Adediran Daniel Ikuomola
Summary:
This article explore the socio-cultural challenges facing wives of migrants (Bini women),
in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically it examines the stigmatised experiences and the effect
of cultural constrains on women adjustment to life in the absence of their husbands.
Their mobility, decision-making, and relationships are al under radar of the in-laws and
the people around her but with time, the women gain power over her decisions and the
relationship she maintains with other men.
Significance:
This research will helps us in understanding why people in Parachinar hold onto their traditional
ways in the face of modern technology. In present time, where marriages take place with both
the presence of groom and bride, why in the area of Parachinar, marriages are being held
between bride and the groom’s picture because of the residence of groom abroad, and what is
its significance among the people of Parachinar. It's like uncovering a captivating story of how
their rich cultural heritage remains a core part of their identity in today's fast-paced world.
Objectives:
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Investigate and analyze the motivations and decision-making processes of individuals in
Parachinar who choose picture-relying marriages aiming to identify key factors
influencing their choice of this matrimonial method.
Investigate the challenges faced by brides in picture-relying marriages, their lives without
direct interaction with the groom and explore the coping strategies employed in
overcoming these challenges.
To look upon the phenomenon of picture relying marriages in Parachinar. The reasons
behind it and the emotional experiences of the subjects how they cop up with it including
challenges they face while living away from their husbands and how she adjusts in her
in-laws, how she upbring her children while being a single mother.
Investigate the societal and cultural factors contributing to the prevalence of
picture-relying marriages in Parachinar.
Analyze the emotional experience and challenges encountered by brides involved in
picture-relying marriages.
Evaluate the adaptive strategies employed by brides to navigate the emotional and
practical challenges she faces in sustaining a marital relationship without the physical
presence of their husbands.
Research Question:
What are the specific challenges faced by women engaged in picture-relying marriages in
Parachinar, and how do these challenges influence their socio-economic, psychological, and
familial well-being?
Hypothesis:
In Parachinar, where traditional picture-relying marriages are common, we believe that women
in these marriages face unique challenges in their socio-economic, psychological, and family
aspects due to the absence of the groom. We expect these challenges to influence the women's
overall well-being.
Conceptualization:
• Agency: According to the author the agency of a married woman in the in- laws are very bound
and strict she cannot make decisions even related to her children’s and even not having the
mobility of cell phone to talk to her husband.
•Migration: The authors have explained about the migration of the husband have different
effects on the life of her wife, his children will getting their education in a better school, they
solved their issues of poverty but wife feel herself alone in her daily life without her husband.
•Cultural Stigma: According to the author the stigma of the society is bound to the act of
inter-tribal marriages and the force their tribal families to fellow this kind of marriage so the ritual
can be live forever.
Operationalization
•Agency: The agency of a married woman is must be required so she can live her life in a better
manner even in the house of her in-laws, also the access to talk with her husband and even to
live in a separate home which her in-laws not allow her to live.
•Migration: In the society where the women live without her husband fell her self psychological
and emotionally alone and also living the strategies to coping with her husband and as single
parent its also difficult for her to do the best upbringing of her children’s.
Cultural Stigma: The cultural Stigma need to be change because as we can see that in this
modern era of time why the women is bound to fallow that old practice of marriage even some
of the time without her personal will.
Methodology and Methods:
Ontology -> Nomalism
Epistemology -> Nominalistic stand point
Research Methodology -> Qualitative
Data collection method -> In-depth interviews
Data collection tools -> Interview guide
Locale -> Parachinar
Sampling Technique -> Purposive Sampling
Data Source -> Primary
Data Analysis Technique -> Content Analysis
Perspective -> Emic
Ontology:
This is about understanding what things really exist. When studying marriages based on
pictures, researchers might see relationships as influenced by how people look and what
society expects.
Epistemology:
This is about how we learn things. Researchers might use interpretivism to understand how
people feel about relying on pictures to pick a life partner.
Research Methodology:
Qualitative Approach:
Since this topic is about personal feelings, using qualitative methods helps gather detailed
insights. It involves getting deep, detailed thoughts and experiences from people.
Data Collection Tools:
Interview Guides:
These are lists of questions used during interviews. They help cover specific aspects related to
choosing a partner based on pictures.
Data Collection Methods:
Interviews: Researchers talk to people who have experience with or opinions about choosing
partners based on pictures. This helps understand their personal experiences, beliefs, and
feelings.
Locale:
Parachinar.
Sampling Technique:
Purposive Sampling: Researchers choose participants who know a lot about choosing partners
based on pictures. This helps gather detailed and relevant information.
Data Sources:
Individuals: People who have been in such relationships or have thoughts about choosing
partners based on pictures.
Data Analysis Technique:
Thematic Analysis: Identifying pattern and themes within interview and themes within interview
transcript ,observations and online discussions.