Lev Vygotsky's Socio-Cultural Theory And The Adverse Effects Of Socio-Cultural Contexts On Human Psychology Depicted In The Urdu Novel "Gurg-E-Shab"

Abstract

This article explores the intersection of Lev Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory and the Urdu novel Gurg-e-Shab by Ikramullah. Vygotsky’s theory emphasizes the positive role of social and cultural contexts in shaping cognitive development, but Gurg-e-Shab portrays the darker side of socio-cultural influence, illustrating how harmful social conditions can lead to psychological trauma. The novel’s protagonist Shafi (later Zafar) experiences lifelong alienation and PTSD due to childhood trauma and societal rejection. His attempts to escape his past only deepen his internal conflict, reflecting how negative socio-cultural contexts can severely harm psychological development.