A Study On Psycho-Social; Physical Hazards And Society’s Attitude Towards Eunuchs

• Published in: Pakistan journal of gender studies 2018-09, Vol.17 (1), p.55-78
• Main Authors: Ismail, Muhammad Aslam, Shah, Nasreen Aslam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2072-0394; 2663-8886
• DOI: 10.46568/pjgs.v17i1.10

The research is focusing mainly the lives of eunuchs; society’s attitudes and behaviors; socio-psycho issues and physical hazards on eunuchs. It is investigated in the study that eunuchs’ identity is still not recognized by the society; they have been deprived of basic rights; even families are not accepting eunuchs; do not have opportunities to work in the economy; as they have been abused and harassed by the people. They are engaged in begging; dancing; and sex work due to absence of legal framework in providing employment opportunities. The research topic on eunuchs is chosen to highlight the problems of the third gender, and total sample of about 200 of eunuchs has been selected from Karachi, Pakistan. The survey research is using quantitative data through a questionnaire and used convenient sampling for collecting data. It is found in the research that eunuchs get separated from family and live in eunuchs’ communities; as family and relatives feel ashamed and guilty in living with them. Respondents informed that people gazes are hateful and also taunt them because of their mix-gender behaviors. However, they have been deprived of education; employment opportunities; and not acceptable in the society. Similarly eunuchs’ source of income is mainly through begging and dancing in events; and few also involved in sex work. Eunuchs do not have inheritance rights; due to the reason they have no financial stability. Though Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has announced national identity cards for the third gender; but eunuchs are reluctant in making their cards; according to them documentation creates hurdles while applying for CNICs and therefore unable to take part in elections.