The representation of women in Moroccan television talk shows

Abstract

ABSTRACTWomen’s representation in Moroccan media is still an understudied area of academic inquiry; Anglophone scholarship in particular is lacking in this domain. This paper aims to rectify the gap by examining the construction of women’s identity in Moroccan television talk shows. Using textual analysis, it investigates two television shows Bidoun Haraj and Mâa Nass, both hosted by women. The episodes for this analysis were selected based on the criteria of relevance and popularity. The analysis revealed that the episodes carry a pedagogical function: they inform and educate viewers about women’s rights, statistics, laws, studies, and government or civil society-led initiatives. They particularly bring to the fore sociocultural and legal injustices and obstacles women face in Moroccan society. However, solutions offered on-air provide a mixed picture of how women’s rights have developed so far, and how much traditional mores and practices still play a role in the position of women in Moroccan society. The episodes show the slow development of women’s rights and present proposals for future directions.