Twentieth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

Celebrities have long been considered influencers of human behaviour. Social media served as a medium to promote their viewership. These celebrities have been noticed to communicate certain discourse on motherhood on social networks. This research explores and compares how motherhood is presented and constructed by Pakistani and American showbiz celebrities on Instagram, either through text or visuals. It also highlights how gender identities are constructed and modified through this portrayal. Feminist discourse analysis is used as the theoretical framework to explain the stereotypes about motherhood in East and West Countries. Six celebrities are selected to analyse the state of woman as a mother in both cultures. The sample consisted of the posts shared by celebrities from pregnancy to the birth of their child. The analysis showed that new-mother celebrities from East glorify a stereotypical motherhood as a blessing from God, a fulfilling experience replete with joy, a natural duty and are found appreciative to their husbands for their support. Conversely, mothers from West show the courage to break the taboo of calling it a tough experience, alongside constructing it a joy for themselves. The study implies how language used on Instagram by celebrities may strengthen the stereotypes and influence the behaviour of women as mothers.