The social construction of environmental crisis in Pakistan: A media-centric perspective

Saira Abrar; Babak Mahmood; Ayesha Chaudhry; Sana Ejaz

Authors

Saira Abrar Ph D Scholar, Department of Sociology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan Author
Babak Mahmood Professor, Department of Sociology, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan Author
Ayesha Chaudhry Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan Author
Sana Ejaz Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Environmental Issues, Socially Constructed, Media Discussion, Environmental Degradation, Environmental Policy

Abstract

This study uses Dawn's carefully selected collection of newspaper articles to investigate how environmental issues are socially constructed in Pakistan through the lens of mass media. The study uses qualitative content analysis to pinpoint prevailing narratives and themes in media coverage that influence public opinion and environmental policy discussions. For the sake of getting themes by using induction from these columns, a mathematical approach is used. Each and every column was read thoroughly and highlighted wherever a new theme was identified by the writer. These themes clearly give us a roadmap to formulate certain strategies for controlling environmental degradation and coping with strategies to curb down environmental pollution." The results show that pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation are frequently viewed through institutional, political, and cultural prisms, revealing a complicated interaction between economic interests, governance issues, and public awareness. The study emphasizes how important the media is in creating environmental realities that impact regional and national reactions in addition to educating the public. The report highlights the gaps between policy and knowledge and makes the need for more aggressive, scientifically based media participation in environmental discourse.

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