The Performance of Emotion Among Paxtun Women

Sharing tales of misfortune is a common practice among women in many cultures. Among the Paxtun women of Afghanistan and Pakistan, articulating one's despondency (gham) is part of a ritual which serves to establish and maintain relationships. Moreover, it also qualifies her to be a woman of honour. Grima draws a parallel between this ritual and the infamous male practice of 'honour-killing' which tantamounts to murdering female relatives suspected of illicit relationships.