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DISCUSSION ABOUT AFGHAN CULTURE AND SOCIETAL NORMS INFLUENCE
THE PORTRAYAL OF FATHERS IN KHALID HUSSAINʼS WORKS
Rajabova Oʻgʻiljon Odilbek kizi
Master of Arts in English Language and Literature
(English) at Asian International University
ANNOTATION:
This article explores how Afghan culture and societal norms shape the
portrayal of fathers in Khaled Hosseini’s literary works, especially in
The Kite Runner
and
A
Thousand Splendid Suns
. By analyzing the father figures in the context of traditional Afghan
values, gender expectations, and the sociopolitical backdrop, the study highlights how
patriarchal norms and cultural identity are reflected in Hosseini’s narratives. The paper employs
a qualitative literary analysis method, integrating cultural studies and postcolonial theory to
understand paternal roles in Afghan society.
KEY WORDS:
Afghan culture, Khaled Hosseini, fatherhood, societal norms, masculinity,
patriarchy, The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, postcolonial literature.
INTRODUCTION
Khaled Hosseini, a prominent Afghan-American novelist, presents complex and emotionally
rich portrayals of family relationships in his works. Among the most pivotal of these
relationships is the role of the father figure. In traditional Afghan society, fathers are seen as
symbols of authority, honor, and social guidance. This paper investigates how Afghan cultural
norms and societal expectations influence the characterization of fathers in Hosseini's novels,
particularly in
The Kite Runner
and
A Thousand Splendid Suns
. It aims to explore the tension
between traditional paternal authority and the emotional needs of children, while also
addressing how war, displacement, and changing gender roles reshape paternal identities.
METHODS
The study adopts a
qualitative literary analysis
methodology, focusing on close readings of
the texts and thematic analysis of paternal figures. The works are examined through the lens of
postcolonial theory
and
cultural criticism
, with secondary sources on Afghan culture, gender
roles, and sociopolitical history informing the interpretation. Primary sources include Khaled
Hosseini's novels; secondary sources include academic articles, interviews, and sociocultural
studies of Afghanistan.
DISCUSSION
1. Patriarchal Authority in Traditional Afghan Society
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Afghan society is deeply patriarchal, where fathers hold substantial power in both familial and
societal contexts. In
The Kite Runner
, Baba represents this traditional, authoritative father
figure. He is respected in Kabul for his masculinity, generosity, and pride. However, his
emotional distance from Amir reflects the cultural discomfort with overt emotional expression,
particularly among men.
2. Emotional Disconnect and Cultural Expectations
Baba’s relationship with Amir illustrates how Afghan norms often prioritize honor and pride
over emotional intimacy. Baba’s disappointment in Amir’s lack of bravery stems not only from
personal expectation but from societal ideals of masculinity. This creates emotional conflict and
identity struggles for Amir, who yearns for affection and approval.
3. Alternate Father Figures and Cultural Contrasts
Characters such as Hassan’s father, Ali, and Rahim Khan serve as contrasts to Baba’s rigid
masculinity. Though less powerful socially, these figures demonstrate compassion, moral
strength, and emotional support. Their portrayals suggest Hosseini’s critique of traditional
Afghan masculinity and a preference for a more nurturing form of fatherhood.
4. Fatherhood in A Thousand Splendid Suns
Although less centered on fatherhood,
A Thousand Splendid Suns
also reflects Afghan societal
norms through the absence or failure of father figures. Mariam’s illegitimacy and rejection by
her father shape her psychological trauma, while Laila’s father is a rare example of an educated,
progressive paternal figure who encourages her schooling. These examples highlight how
cultural norms restrict or enable women’s lives based on paternal attitudes.
5. Impact of War and Migration
Hosseini’s narratives often intersect with historical and political upheaval. The fall of Kabul,
the rise of the Taliban, and forced migration challenge traditional paternal roles. Baba’s
emigration to the United States weakens his societal power, but it also humanizes him as he
adapts to a new role where emotional resilience becomes more valuable than social dominance.
CONCLUSION
Khaled Hosseini’s portrayal of fatherhood is deeply embedded in Afghan cultural and societal
frameworks. Through multifaceted characters, he exposes both the strengths and limitations of
traditional paternal roles. His novels critique rigid gender norms while offering alternative
visions of masculinity based on empathy, humility, and emotional connection. By doing so,
Hosseini not only reflects Afghan realities but also contributes to a broader discourse on the
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133
evolving nature of fatherhood in transitional societies.
REFERENCES
1.
Hosseini, K. (2003).
The Kite Runner
. Riverhead Books.
2.
Hosseini, K. (2007).
A Thousand Splendid Suns
. Riverhead Books.
3.
Rawi, A. (2012).
Afghan Culture and Society: A Brief Overview
. Afghan Academy
Press.
4.
Said, E. (1978).
Orientalism
. Pantheon Books.
5.
Moghadam, V. M. (2002).
Patriarchy, the Taleban, and Politics of Public Space in
Afghanistan
.
Women’s Studies International Forum
, 25(1), 19–31.
6. Икромова, С. А. (2024). ГРУППЫ И СОЦИАЛЬНОЕ ВЛИЯНИЕ ЛЮДЕЙ В
СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ СРЕДЕ R. Introduction of new innovative technologies in education of
pedagogy and psychology, 1(3), 32-38.
7. Ikromova Sitora Akbarovna. (2025). STREES PSIXOFIZIOLOGIYASI. Modern World
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