This paper explores the representation and socio-cultural implications of Falaka through a cross-cultural lens, focusing on its depiction in film/television and social media. Using case studies from the Middle East and South Korea, including film and television works and real-life recordings from social media platforms, the study analyzes the portrayal of Falaka punishment scenes, gender-power dynamics, and mechanisms of bodily discipline. The findings reveal that: First, Falaka primarily targets women in both fictional and real contexts, and its administration is often carried out by women, reflecting the complex reproduction of gender oppression within female communities. Second, punitive postures demonstrate the absolute conquest of power over the body, with “internalized discipline” proving more insidious and oppressive than overt violence. Third, despite regional differences, the underlying logic of Falaka remains consistent across cultures, combining intense physical pain with public humiliation to reinforce authoritarian order and gender subordination. The study concludes that the hidden persistence of Falaka in contemporary settings reflects a deep entanglement between corporal punishment and power structures, necessitating intervention through legal oversight and reforms in educational ethics.
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Share and Cite
Jin, R. (2025) The Hidden Pain and Shame: A Cross-cultural Study of Falaka in Film and Social Media. Journal of Social Development and History, 1(6), 74-81.