Feminist Discourse Research Articles

Building a Nexus between Feminist Perceptions and Gender-based Violence: The case of Harare Province

The study sought to interrogate men and women’s perceptions of feminism and build a nexus between those perceptions of Gender-Based Violence. Gender-based violence manifests as physical, social, emotional and psychological violence among people especially when interlinked with feminist discourse. The study was carried out utilizing the mixed methods paradigm. One hundred males and 100 females took part in the quantitative study while 4 focus group discussions were conducted with 40 persons and 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews. Findings from the study show that 76% of respondents from the study recognise the concept of feminism as the fight for equal rights, 12% as the empowerment of women, 6% acknowledged it as a move to take over the roles of men while the other 6% understand feminism as a move to ensure that women make decisions normally made by men. Forty percent of the respondents stated that the call for equality breaks families apart, 27% of the respondents indicated that feminism unites families while the other 20% indicated that feminism is a necessary evil. As such, this article recommends the alignment of feminist discourses to indigenous practices in a manner that does not seek to disrupt the social order of African society.

Jewish Mysticism as a Form of Feminism in Early 20th Century Hungarian Jewish Literature: Anna Lesznai’s Response to Otto Weininger

This article examines Anna Lesznai’s radical imagining of sex and its use for transcendental purposes that heavily rely on Jewish mystical ideas intertwined with Otto Weininger's theory of gender binarism. In her gender theory—part of feminist discourse at the turn of the twentieth century—Lesznai describes female love, using religious language and ideas from Jewish mysticism, especially those resembling Hassidic concepts, and ultimately compares sexual union to yihud- unio mystica with God. Working within the patriarchal understanding of the biological definition of gender and of the concept of "female difference," Lesznai’s feminism rooted in the belief that certain personality traits and skills are inherently gendered, but she reverses the hierarchy by placing women in the position of power, thus turning Jewish mysticism and Weininger’s gender philosophy on its head.

Reconceptualizing resilience and vulnerability in liberal feminist discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted the growing recognition and reevaluation of vulnerability theory as proposed by Fineman (2008), which emphasizes the central role of the state in protecting citizens from their ‘vulnerability’ by providing their access to ‘resilience’. It challenges the traditional construction of ‘vulnerability’ and ‘resilience’ in liberal discourse, which has typically emphasized individual capabilities over community roles. To investigate the impact of this recognition on the construction of ‘vulnerability’ and ‘resilience’ in liberal feminism discourse during COVID-19, discourse analysis was conducted among nine COVID-19-related briefings from the Fawcett Society website. Two main changes in liberal feminism discourse were revealed in this research. First, there has been a shift from a focus on self-resilience among women's groups to an acknowledgement of their weakened resilience in front of COVID-19. Second, liberal feminists delve into the passive characteristic of ‘vulnerability’ during COVID-19, recognizing the susceptibility of women's groups to their inner mental issues. The discourse constructed by liberal feminists during COVID-19, as evidenced by the collected briefings from the Fawcett Society website, also reveals the ‘hidden social inequality’ that existed in the long-standing undervaluation of socially reproductive workers, which has been exposed by the pandemic and necessary the need for increased social recognition of their role in maintaining daily social functions.

Algorithmic governmentality in Latin America: Sociotechnical imaginaries, neocolonial soft power, and authoritarianism

Latin America stands as one of the most unequal regions globally, where economic and social crises persist regardless of the ideological leanings of the ruling governments. Many countries in the region grapple with pervasive issues such as corruption, impunity, and a lack of adherence to the rule of law. In this context of generalized crisis, governments have turned to discourses of innovation and technological progress to justify their actions, advocating for the incorporation of automated systems into public administration. Algorithmic governmentality, the government of the social world through the algorithmic processing of data, emerges as a political rationality. Drawing from recent contributions in the theory of governmentality and critical data studies, our commentary centers on three critical dimensions: algorithmic governmentality as political rationality manifested in sociotechnical imaginaries; as an expression of soft power wielded by the U.S. government over the region; and the means by which regional governments automate social asymmetries and social control. This commentary delves into the intricate dynamics of algorithmic governmentality in Latin America, shedding light on its multifaceted implications for governance, democracy, and social structures in the region.

Feminist Interpretations of Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits

Isabel Allende’s novel The House of the Spirits stands as a significant work within feminist literature, offering a profound exploration of gender, power dynamics, and societal norms within the context of Chilean society. Through the intertwining stories of Clara, Blanca, and Alba, Allende navigates themes of female agency, resilience, and resistance against patriarchal constraints. This paper examines the feminist interpretations of The House of the Spirits, delving into the portrayal of female characters, the narrative structure, and the novel’s engagement with feminist discourse. By analyzing the historical and cultural context, character dynamics, and thematic richness of the novel, we uncover the ways in which Allende challenges traditional gender roles and amplifies the voices of women within the literary landscape.

The conquest of black African women: A collusion of church and coloniality in Africa

The surge of the conquest of black African women grows rapidly as indicated by the multifaceted oppressions experienced by black African women today. Although coloniality is supposed to be a thing of the past, its stench still wreaks havoc for the present-day black African woman whose reality of experience is that of ‘triple pain’ (Vellem 2017). Colluding with the church, colonisers reinforced and justified the centralisation of the west in Africa, which was established through violence and consequently led to the conquest of black humanity. However, womanism has argued that it was black African women who, in addition to being conquered based on their race, were rigorously subjected to patriarchal violence. Today, the church has a prominent role in the lives of many black African women; thus the church has an integral responsibility of pursuing liberation of black African women and ultimately all humanity (Kobo 2018). Nevertheless, the church cannot move towards liberation without critiquing the toxic relationship between church and coloniality and its legacy of the conquest of black African women through patriarchal violence. Undoubtedly, many black African women continue to experience patriarchal violence to this day, and the church has many a time become the source of their suffering. This calls for a serious engagement within the liberation discourse to uproot colonial legacy of the conquest of black African women.Contribution: The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between the church and coloniality, and how this relationship has impacted the lives of black African women. Employing womanism as the primary framework, this article seeks to offer a womanist critique that seeks to disrupt the collusion of church and coloniality in its legacy of the perpetuation of patriarchal violence which leads to the conquest of many black African women today.

Critical Discourse Analysis of Gender Equality and Feminism: A Comparative Study

This research compares gender equality and feminism in the 1931 Medan Sedar newspaper with Magdalene.co's article 'Wives of Sedar Towards Women's Work in Indonesia: Often Overlooked, Women's Careers Minimally Hopeful.' Grounded in a patriarchal culture fostering workforce gender disparities, Sara Mills' Critical Discourse Analysis is employed. Through documentary analysis and literature review, the findings show alignment between readers' perspectives and narrators. 'Wives of Sedar' reflects radical feminism, while 'Often Overlooked' portrays liberal feminism. In 1931, gender was a social construct rooted in patriarchy, contrasting with 2022's biological stereotype understanding. Presently, gender issues focus on task segregation. The feminist movement in Indonesia aligns with technological progress, advocating for gender equality. The research highlights evolving gender perceptions, offering insights for global scholars in understanding the historical and contemporary dynamics of gender and feminism. Highlights : The study delves into the historical context of gender representation in the 1931 Medan Sedar newspaper and compares it with contemporary perspectives in Magdalene.co's online magazine. Utilizing Sara Mills' Critical Discourse Analysis, the research unveils ideological shifts in feminist discourse, highlighting both radical and liberal feminist perspectives. The findings emphasize the evolution of gender concepts over time, from social constructs rooted in patriarchal culture to contemporary understandings shaped by technological advancements, offering valuable insights for global scholars. Keywords: Gender Equality, Feminism, Critical Discourse Analysis, 1931 Medan Sedar Newspaper, Magdalene.co Online Magazine

Nineteenth-Century Richard Wagner: Unconventional Female Roles and Emerging Feminist Discourse

Operas of the 19th century adhered to realism, often drawing inspiration from real-life situations. In the social context of the era, women were often relegated to positions of weakness and lacked societal status, rendering them subject to the scrutiny of male perspectives. However, Richard Wagner's operas distinguished themselves by endowing female characters with prominence and authority. This article seeks to investigate Wagner's effective empowerment of women, focusing on the plot and role analysis of Brnnhilde, the female character from "Die Walkre." Subsequently, a combination of document analysis and literature review are synthesized, showing the diverse perspectives of scholars who have examined Wagner's individualism and his portrayal of female characters in his operas. Ultimately, it is apparent that the formidable female figures in Wagner's operas boldly challenge prevailing social norms, embodying the essence of love and redemption. While scholars hold varying interpretations regarding Wagner's approach to feminism, it is irrefutable that these non-traditional female characters occupy central positions in his works, infused with profound emotions and at the core of dramatic storytelling.

A Women’s Nation: Feminism, Class, and National Identity in Margarita Ledo Andión’s Nación (2020)

Through her films, the Galician filmmaker Margarita Ledo Andión builds a singular benchmark on the margins of a peripheral cinema per se: the Novo Cinema Galego. Her performative and experimental narratives, in line with avant-garde films of other small European cinemas, her nationalist and feminist (political) discourse, and her condition as a woman filmmaker situate her filmography on the intersection of multiple peripheries. This paper analyzes her most recent film, Nación (2020), from the perspective of cinema made by women as minor cinema and an example of “fourth cinema” as an instrument to make visible the role of women in the class struggle and the construction of Galician national identity.

“To attack the rights of one man is to attack the rights of everyone”: Conservative Rights Talk and Canada’s First Hate Speech Laws

ABSTRACT In 1970, the Canadian government amended the Criminal Code to include the nation’s first provisions banning hate propaganda. This article examines the parliamentary debates over these provisions, from their introduction to their adoption, to assess how members of the two mainstream political right and right-of-center parties responded to the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code. It considers what this response—and the way in which it was articulated—reveals about how self-identified conservatives understood rights and freedoms, and how they conceived of the role of the state in securing these rights and freedoms in the context of Canada’s expanding legislative human rights framework. I argue that these debates over hate speech are illustrative of a coherent form of conservative rights-talk in 1960s Canada, one that varied from, and in some respects was in opposition to, a more dominant liberal discourse of rights.

Negotiating Identity and Resistance: Cultural Identity and Feminist Discourse in Afghan Women's Literature

Negotiating Identity and Resistance: Cultural Identity and Feminist Discourse in Afghan Women's Literature

Analyzing the diffusion of feminist discourses on Chinese social media: A case study of the 2022 Tangshan restaurant attack.

Network platforms have ushered in a novel propagation model for feminist discourses. The emergence of oriental feminism in society has led to gender-based public opinions surrounding public events becoming a trending topic on Chinese social media. This study uses the 2022 Tangshan restaurant attack as a case study, an incident that sparked widespread discussions across China in 2022. The research gathered 366,602 network communication nodes within a week and examined the communication networks of three types of content nodes (information, opinion, and appeasement) using the complex network modeling method. The findings revealed that all three types of information communication networks exhibit an apparent scale-free characteristic, and the "key minority" of nodes significantly affects information communication. Information-type and appeasement-type Weibo display notable similarities in the quantity and degree distribution of nodes within the communication networks and in the information decay rate. Moreover, authoritative information issuers have become the primary catalyst for information propagation. Conversely, opinion-type Weibo has the widest communication network diameter and features a high degree of participation, multilevel propagation, and a slow decay rate. This indicates that the interaction between opinion leaders and netizens has enhanced the depth and breadth of information diffusion for opinion-type Weibo.

'n Feministiese ondersoek na Bettina Wyngaard se misdaadfiksie

The recent discourse on black feminism in Afrikaans literature is strongly influenced by powerful and activist-oriented writers like Ronelda Kamfer, Lynthia Julius, and Veronique Jephtas. With their poetry and public statements, they have shaped the feminist discourse significantly. However, the recent discourse on feminism in Afrikaans largely overlooks the contributions of certain black Afrikaans women writers. Bettina Wyngaard, a black Afrikaans woman novelist, attempts to disrupt this silence and through her literature and opinion pieces, she advances an alternative feminist stance. This article focuses on Wyngaard's contribution to the recent feminist discourse and the ways in which she asserts her voice within the debate. In this article I refer to three of her crime fiction novels, namely Vuilspel (Foul play) (2013), Slaafs (Slavishly) (2016) and Jagter (Hunter) (2019). I analyse these texts in attempt to examine the feminist ideology underlying her literature. I argue that Wyngaard chooses crime fiction, a genre traditionally dominated by white males, in attempt to sanction her voice within the feminism debate in Afrikaans. In this article, I examine Wyngaard's crime fiction within the context of third wave of feminism, which engages with popular culture as a tool for critique and to promote feminist ideology. I explore the feminist consciousness and ideology in Wyngaard's novels and the ways in which she challenges established patriarchal conventions in crime fiction as a genre. I employ Anne Cranny-Francis' framework in the feminist value of crime fiction to examine the feminist themes in Wyngaard's work.

Cultural Context and Feminist Discourse: Comparing Ibsen’s Norway and Tagore’s India

Cultural Context and Feminist Discourse: Comparing Ibsen’s Norway and Tagore’s India

Why Would Some Feminist Activists Want to Ban Nineteen Eighty-Four, and Why Shouldn’t They?

This article critically engages with the feminist discourse surrounding George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, with a specific focus on the calls for its prohibition arising from perceived gender biases. The central inquiry at the heart of this exploration revolves around whether the perceived gender discrimination in Nineteen Eighty-Four warrants its prohibition. Detractors posit that Orwell's delineation of women, especially through characters like Julia, reinforces entrenched gender norms. Conversely, proponents assert that the novel's core message transcends gender-specific concerns, functioning as an enduring cautionary tale against the deleterious effects of totalitarian regimes. The article succinctly encapsulates the prevailing feminist critique of Nineteen Eighty-Four, undertaking an examination of the representation of women and gender relationships within the dystopian framework. Scholars argue that Julia's character epitomizes a passive and objectified perspective of women, conforming to male desires and perpetuating patriarchal viewpoints. This scrutiny extends to the thematic suppression of sexuality and gender within dystopian literature, underscoring the novel's limitations in addressing gender-related intricacies. Drawing upon feminist literary criticism and amalgamating various theoretical approaches such as historical context analysis, textual scrutiny, and thematic exploration, the article advocates for the legitimacy and significance of the critique. Despite the manifestation of patriarchal ideologies in the portrayal of women in Nineteen Eighty-Four, the article delves deeper into the pervasive theme of patriarchal control in the narrative. It examines how the Party regulates reproduction and sustains gender norms, contending that the novel persists in its relevance by fostering discussions on oppressive governance and authoritarian control. The paper accentuates the novel's nuanced exploration of gender dynamics, implicitly challenging traditional constructions. Emphasizing the value of dystopian fiction in feminist discourse, the article highlights the role of Nineteen Eighty-Four in catalyzing conversations about gender equality and institutional reform. In conclusion, the article addresses the perils associated with the misuse of censorship mechanisms for literary works and advocates for the preservation of a diverse literary discourse. The proposition to ban Nineteen Eighty-Four based on its gender portrayal is posited as counterproductive, with the potential to stifle critical engagement and impede meaningful dialogue. The ongoing controversy surrounding the novel underscores the imperative of sustained discussions, encouraging readers to scrutinize and challenge prevailing gender and political norms. Ultimately, Nineteen Eighty-Four is positioned as a valuable work contributing to broader narratives of social justice and equality.

Analysis of Adelfa Calvo’s feminist discourse as persuasive communication to denounce gender inequality in Spanish actresses at the Goya Awards

Esta investigación trata de comprobar la hipótesis que se deriva del discurso de la actriz Adelfa Calvo por la igualdad al recoger el Premio Goya a Mejor Actriz de Reparto en 2018. También pretende reconocer otras de sus acciones feministas en el cine. El objetivo principal ha sido contextualizar su discurso probando que ha existido una a premiar actrices según la edad y la talla en la última década. Para comprobarla se ha analizado la muestra de actrices que recogen el galardón entre 2010 y 2020 analizando las variables mencionadas. La metodología utilizada ha combinado el análisis de contenido cualitativo y cuantitativo con entrevistas personales y el estudio de caso. Los resultados han demostrado que la hipótesis se cumple. La conclusión más reseñable ha sido la detección de la necesidad de una normativa que regule esta tendencia discriminatoria basada en la educación en la igualdad. Probar científicamente que el trabajo de las actrices en Premios Goya ha sido valorado influido por una tendencia al margen de criterios profesionales es la aportación de esta investigación. Al mismo tiempo que reconocer a Adelfa Calvo como referente de la industria cinematográfica en la lucha feminista por su mediática reivindicación.

Pertinence of Literature in Destroying Menstrual Taboos

The impurity of menstrual blood is a universal myth that spans across all societies and cultures. This notion has also established a barrier to gender equality, as females are instructed, throughout cultures, that menstruation is disgraceful. This belief restricts their capacity to conduct regular duties when they are bleeding, hence making them organize their lives around their menstrual period. The need to fill the inadequate understanding of the menstrual cycle in society is a necessity. The third wave of feminism encouraged society to discuss certain challenging topics, which led to considerable breakthroughs in beliefs around menstruation. The day when feminist discussions were limited to people who could pay to express their opinions has long since passed. The concept of feminism in the twenty-first century encompasses a larger spectrum of opinions. Strong arguments on women’s cleanliness and the need for understanding menstruation only serve to emphasize how crucial and significant the issue is. The present paper attempts to explore the myths and taboos, cultural and political perspectives on menstruation, and the role literature is playing in altering society’s attitudes about menstruation. The paper will attempt to comprehend how important literature is in eradicating the stigma associated with menstruation and how it contributes to raising awareness of menstrual hygiene among people.

Immigration, poetry, and translation between Syria and Germany: Adel Karasholi

AbstractThe work of Syrian‐German poet Adel Karasholi exemplifies key vectors of literature in the context of migration, in particular the tension between nostalgia and assimilation. Karasholi's case is distinctive insofar as he lived between two dictatorships, Syria and the German Democratic Republic, and his poetry testifies to processes of ideological accommodation, integration into GDR literary networks, and identity‐political hybridization. A Brechtian aesthetic of engagement and a Marxist discourse of progress coexist with the problematics of immigration and cultural difference. In the early 1990s, Karasholi began to invoke previously rejected orientalist and mystic‐religious tropes as he entered the multicultural public sphere of unified Germany, but in his translations of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish (2004) he reverted to the secular modernization sensibility of his GDR years. One of these translations (“In Jerusalem”) is examined closely to reveal Karasholi's strategic choices and subtle differences from the Darwish original.

Challenges in the spread of feminism on social media: A case study on Barbie’s dissemination and promotion on Rotten Tomatoes

This study investigates the challenges of disseminating feminist messages on social media, focusing on the film Barbie as an example. Feminism has gained significant academic attention, intersecting with various social, political, and economic domains. The study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methods to conduct a comprehensive analysis of social media reactions and feedback horn platforms such as Twitter. Facebook, and Instagram. The findings reveal a complex landscape where Barbie is both praised for its progressive portrayal of female empowerment and criticized for superficial engagement with deeper feminist issues. Utilizing word clouds to identify dominant themes, the research provides a detailed understanding of public perceptions. The study highlights the evolving nature of feminist discourse in the digital age and underscores the critical role of media in shaping public perceptions of gender equality.

Jane Austen's Feminist Journey: From Enlightenment Sparks to Contemporary Discourse

This paper explores the multifaceted feminist themes woven throughout Jane Austen's novels. It delves into how Austen, a product of the Enlightenment era, critiques the societal constraints placed upon women in Regency England. Through witty dialogue and social commentary, Austen exposes the limitations on female agency, particularly regarding marriage, property ownership, and self-determination. The paper utilizes in-depth analysis to trace the evolution of Austen's feminist voice across her works. It unveils her subtle yet powerful critiques of patriarchal structures, highlighting the intersection of power and privilege within Austen's narratives. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in understanding the diverse experiences of women within her novels, acknowledging the impact of class and social status on their struggles. Finally, the paper underscores Austen's enduring legacy as a pioneering feminist voice. Her timeless novels continue to resonate with contemporary readers, sparking discussions about gender equality, female agency, and the fight for social change. Austen's work serves as a bridge between Enlightenment ideals and modern feminist discourse, solidifying her position as a literary icon whose influence transcends generations.