Constructing Masculinity Through Gun Culture in Punjabi Music: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Lyrics and Music Videos

This study analyses how Punjabi pop songs encourage the belief that being masculine means using guns. The study looked at seven highly popular songs by Sidhu Moosewala, Mankirt Aulakh, Karan Aujla, and Shubh. By using Connell’s ideas about hegemonic masculinity and cultivation theory, it becomes clear that the songs regularly promote images of guns, violence, and strong masculinity. Traditional gender roles are highlighted, so that men are dominant, and women are depicted as those who need to be safeguarded. Using guns and being violent is often a way young Punjabi men display their authority, courage, and high position in society. The music videos use strong images of weapons, tough poses, and money to reinforce an environment where violence is popular and often glorified. Through gun culture, the idea of masculinity is shaped in Punjabi and diaspora communities, revealing how strongly identity, violence, and media are linked. The research admits that there is only a small sample size and that it was hard to translate and interpret cultural behaviors. Despite these factors, the research shows important results for how popular music influences young people’s views on masculinity and violence. It ends by suggesting actions for educators, policymakers, media regulators, and artists that encourage media outlets to use alternative images of masculinity and support gender equality and nonviolence. It sheds light on how popular culture affects how South Asian youth see the world and interact with others. Keywords: Punjabi Music, Masculinity, Gun Culture, Violence in Media