A Study of the Social Continuity and Transformation of ‎Pashtunwali Code in the Novel De-Takht-Ghami

Abstract

This study explores the representation, transformation, and continuity of Pashtunwali, the indigenous ethical code of Pashtun society, as depicted in the Afghan novel De-Takht-Ghami. Pashtunwali functions as a traditional moral and social framework grounded in values such as bravery, honor, loyalty, pride, and collective responsibility, which shape the cultural identity and social cohesion of Pashtuns. The research aims to understand how these values are portrayed through the novel’s characters and social contexts, and how they interact with the challenges of modern life. Employing a qualitative content analysis approach, the study examines value-based conflicts, character behavior, and the dynamics of social relations within the narrative. The findings reveal that Pashtunwali is not a static or rigid code but a flexible and evolving moral system that both resists and adapts to changing social realities. At times, it safeguards cultural integrity by preserving traditional norms, yet it also reinterprets itself to remain relevant within contemporary contexts. Overall, the study provides a sociological understanding of the endurance and adaptability of Pashtunwali, demonstrating how traditional Afghan values continue to navigate the boundary between cultural heritage and modernity.