SOCIABILITY IN PAKISTANI TEA CULTURE AND NEPOTISM (WASTA)

Abstract

This paper explores the social attributes of tea culture in Pakistan and its association with local nepotism (Wasta). The importance of tea in Pakistani society and how tea culture mediates the process of exerting Wasta is examined through fieldwork and literature review. It was found that tea, as a material culture, not only permeates the daily lives and social activities of Pakistani people 
but also plays a crucial role in building relationships and expanding social circles. The social aspect of tea culture is reflected in the fact that people build trust and friendship through tea drinking and even break the traditional Wasta circle to form a new type of social network centered on tea. This paper further explains the unique role of tea in cross-cultural communication and relationship 
building. The study is essential for understanding the socio-cultural, socializing practices and tea culture diversity in Pakistan.