An Analysis of Gender Discrimination Encountered by Female Protagonists in A Thousand Splendid Suns

Abstract

Gender discrimination and inequality are pervasive issues that have persisted across societies throughout history. Gender inequality, the persistent notion that men and women do not have the same rights in societies, has been a longstanding issue globally, including Afghan societies. Afghan women, constituting one of the most oppressed communities, have endured violence and aggression as a daily reality. Afghan male ideology establishes a framework in society which leads to the deprivation of women’s voice and self-identity. This study, employing feminist theory and women's issues as a backdrop, seeks to explore various forms of gender discrimination experienced by women in A Thousand Splendid Suns, conducted as a qualitative research with a content analysis method. Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns serves as a narrative illustrating the social, cultural, and political structures perpetuating the devaluation, degradation, and violence experienced by female characters in an Afghan society. This research further seeks to explore the challenges and sufferings faced by women, particularly the major characters like Mariam, and Laila, highlighting the impact of patriarchal culture and standards on their lives.