Mediatized Projections: Ritual Transformation, Consumer Culture, and the Political Economy of Weddings in Today’s Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the evolving rituals and symbolism in Pakistan today. It is an attempt to elucidate the transformation of matrimonial ceremonies due to rapid social, economic, and technological changes. How weddings rituals and symbols are being modified due to globalization, social media in Pakistan’s urban centers. Weddings have always been a projection of cultural tradition and symbolism. It is a festivity through which familial, religious, and societal values are passed on to the next generation. 10 newly married persons, 10 wedding planners, and 5 elders in urban centers of Karachi, Lahore, Gujrat and Multan were studied employing qualitative methodology. The research reveals a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity. Younger generation’s primary drive remains social visibility. Weddings are a classic show of social status and cultural capital. Resultantly, lavish expenditures impose economic burdens to uphold prestige. It also highlights the contrast between ritual preservation and generating new interpretations in modern Pakistani weddings. The study recommends adopting sustainable practices and further research on rural contexts to compare ritual transformations in Pakistan.