Depictions of Childhood Hunger and Poverty in Pakistani Children's Literature: A Study of Marginalized Childhoods, Survival, and Social Hope

Abstract

Children's literature serves as an important cultural space where societies represent childhood experiences, social realities, and moral values. In Pakistan, children's narratives frequently reflect diverse social conditions, including economic inequality, poverty, limited access to resources, and the struggles of marginalized communities. This article explores the representation of childhood hunger and poverty in Pakistani children's literature, focusing on how narratives portray deprivation, survival strategies, family relationships, and possibilities of social hope. Drawing on the perspectives of childhood studies, food studies, and social justice approaches, the study examines how hunger functions not merely as a physical condition but also as a symbol of social inequality, emotional vulnerability, and unequal opportunities. Through qualitative textual analysis of selected Pakistani children's narratives, the article investigates the ways in which child characters experience poverty, negotiate hardship, and demonstrate resilience within challenging social environments. The study argues that Pakistani children's literature often presents marginalized children not only as victims of poverty but also as active agents capable of hope, creativity, and resistance. Furthermore, these narratives encourage young readers to develop empathy and awareness regarding issues of inequality, food insecurity, and social responsibility. The article contributes to the growing field of children's literature studies by highlighting the relationship between literary representation, childhood experiences, and broader social concerns in the Pakistani context.