Gendered discourse: A critical discourse analysis of newspaper headlines in Ghana
- Country : Ghana
- Subject : English and linguistics
Abstract
There have been an increasing number of studies on institutional discourse in recent times. A few have focused on the media which is determined for public reading. Naturally, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) derives its impetus from Discourse Analysis (DA) as a paradigm shift. CDA aims to produce knowledge that helps homo socius emancipate themselves from dominance through eradication of delusion, inequality, exposing structures of ideologies and power behind discourse. This is done by awakening the consciousness of the self. The critical nature of CDA accounts for its attraction to scholars from various fields like sociology, philosophy, education, health, and asymmetrical fields (Wodak & Meyer, 2009). This study used the descriptive research design since CDA is a scientific approach which provides understanding of phenomena but not solutions to the problems. It focuses on how language is used as a powerful tool to achieve the interest of social group. Women are still undermined even with their progress towards emancipation from male chauvinism. This is shown in the way headlines about women are carried as indicated in the data analysed. Women tend to be represented as immoral, greed for money, promiscuous or sex objects to be used by men for sexual gratification. This is seen in the sexual connotations produced by the mass media today.
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