CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL ISSUES IN PAKISTANI NEWSPAPERS: POVERTY, EDUCATION, AND GENDER EQUALITY

Abstract

This study investigates the linguistic and ideological representation of poverty, education, and gender equality in the Dawn newspaper during April and May 2025. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) based on van Dijk’s socio-cognitive model, the research explores how language reflects and reinforces specific ideological stances. The analysis focuses on lexical choices, metaphors, modality, sentence structure, and voice. Findings reveal that poverty is framed in a technical, policy-oriented manner; education is portrayed through a progressive reform lens; and gender equality is approached with assertive, rights-based language, though often limited to elite contexts. The study concludes that while Dawn maintains a balanced tone, its discourse subtly prioritizes institutional narratives, shaping public understanding and reinforcing societal hierarchies.